Huntington Schools Open to Enthusiasm
The first day of school in Huntington is in many ways like no other. Nervous parents put their young children on school busses and wave goodbye while tears fill their eyes. Upper elementary students quickly get back into the swing of things and teenagers walk through the school doors confidently.
Huntington is welcoming more than 4,100 students to its eight buildings this year. Buildings and grounds workers have been laboring long days, in some cases around the clock, to prepare classrooms, hallways and offices. Like opening days past, schools are sparkling and there is always a noticeable energy in the air.
This year’s Huntington School District is better than ever, officials say. An exceptional slate of academic classes and programs, a plethora of extra curricular activities for students in grades 4-12 and well-maintained facilities are set. The district prides itself on providing all students, regardless of their current abilities, with a top-notch education and overall school experience.
“We are ready and excited to begin a new year,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “We have an excellent group of faculty and support staff in place and we’re anxious to start working with students, who have always been outstanding.”
Teachers began arriving in their classrooms en masse more than a week ago to make preparations, review class lists, get books and supplies in order and meet with colleagues. Sports teams at Huntington High School have been practicing for more than a week. Teams at Finley will kick-off this week.
Among the many facilities projects completed this summer was the complete stripping and sanding of the high school gym floor. Water damaged areas that had buckled were replaced and the entire floor surface was repainted with vibrant new lines. The floor looks like brand new. “It is incredible,” said Georgia D. McCarthy, director of athletics. “They did a fabulous job.”
Marching band members have also been around the school for some time after participating in a weeklong band camp that lasted for up to 12 hours per day. High school student-mentors have been meeting and the group participated in the freshman orientation program last week.
As is always the case, the district expects there will be some snafus with bus pick-ups and drop-offs. Thousands of students are transported each day and there are always bound to be problems. “We’ve worked hard to eliminate potential problems in advance,” Assistant Superintendent Joseph Giani said. “Parents should call us right away at 673-2032 to report any difficulties.”
The opening days of school seem to quickly fly by. No sooner have schools reopened, than they will be closing again, on Thursday and Friday, September 13-14 for Rosh Hashanah.
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