Huntington Schools Open to Excitement
The new school year kicked-off almost without a wrinkle as 4,500 Huntington School District students streamed into classrooms in eight buildings spread out across the community. Opening day problems were few and far between as teachers and students quickly fell into their normal routines.
At Huntington High School, Principal Carmela Leonardi said the day started off great. “Students were happy and excited to see those friends that they have not been able to see through the summer,” Dr. Leonardi said. “Ninth graders were busy locating their classes and everyone was trying out their new lockers. All in all a healthy excitement pervades the school on this very first day.”
Students at all grade levels were eager to greet their former teachers and catch-up with one another after enjoying a two-month vacation. Buildings were sparkling after facilities staff members polished every possible surface. Desks and tables looked almost like new and freshly waxed floors shined in hallways and gyms.
“It’s amazing how everyone just picked up where we left off,” Washington School Principal Marsha Neville said. “You could feel the excitement. The kids were glad to be back and easily adapted to new classmates and teachers. The day couldn’t have gone any smoother.”
More than 650 students showed up for the start of the new school year at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. “I am pleased to report that Finley opened for the first day without any problems other than some nervous students who got lost from time to time,” Principal John Amato said. “Buses ran smoothly. The new seventh graders came in eager and ready, as did the eighth graders. We started the day with the morning announcements, the Pledge of Allegiance and our Project Wisdom ‘words of wisdom.’ The topic today was education and what it really means.”
There were about 420 teachers on hand to work with students. Cafeterias were bustling with activity and playgrounds sprung to life during recess periods. Students organized their desks, cracked open books and engaged in wide ranging discussions with teachers and each other, enthusiastically describing their summer vacations.
There were large turnouts of parents at all four primary buildings with some shedding tears and others snapping photos as their child stepped foot off the bus. Students could be seen lugging their backpacks and greeting friends they hadn’t seen since last June.
“The first day of school for the Woodhull Intermediate students went famously,” Woodhull Principal Jarrett Stein said. “The students entered the building eager to meet their new teachers and reunite with their friends. They were excited to learn and thrilled to see their new school supplies waiting for them. The teachers greeted the students with a warm smile and got the students in school mode. Overall it was a great opening!”
The district is utilizing 52 large buses and more than 75 small vans to transport thousands of students each day. There were assorted snafus here and there, but overall it was an uneventful opening as the large majority of buses went through their runs on time and picked up students at the appointed locations.
“All went beautifully this morning,” Southdown School Principal Michelle Marino said. “The buses were on time and we had happy children and even happier parents!”
Teachers went over their expectations with students, explained course requirements, assigned seats, tried to quickly memorize dozens of new names and gave directions to those who found themselves hopelessly lost in unfamiliar buildings.
Jack Abrams Intermediate School Principal Mary Stokkers echoed many of her colleagues about opening day. “Our students were enthusiastic and prepared for a great new year,” she said. We have seven new teachers, counting the leave replacements. We have a new blacktop playground spearheaded by our shared decision making team. We are planning to have a painting party one Saturday with parents and students.”
“It was a wonderful day and the start of what we all expect to be a sensational year for our students,” Superintendent John J. Finello said.
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