Students, Staff Enjoy Reunions on First Day of School
One of the best days of the year comes every August, when bus stops and dropoff lanes are populated once again. Students and families take their first steps down the hallway to a new classroom. Some are stepping into our school buildings for the first time.
It all centers around the first day of attendance for the CCSD59 traditional calendar. Students in grades 1-8 return to classes across the district and get their first day to meet new teachers and classmates.
Students spent Wednesday learning about rules and procedures regarding lunch, recess, and other daily activities. School-wide assemblies were held to welcome students and families back while providing plenty of fun.
“It was great to see our friends again. We like to socialize and learn more about each other,” said Isaiah, a fourth grade student at Admiral Byrd Elementary. “I’m excited to learn new things, even if they’re hard. That way, you become even smarter.”
Parents always play a vital role in first day festivities as well. Families were invited to spend the day at school for their own orientation. They were able to meet teachers and hear a breakdown of everything they can expect their students to experience in the coming year.
The sound of joyful reunions could be heard across the district. Friends ran to hug each other after long absences, while students greeted familiar teachers as they stepped off their busses.
“I was excited to see who I’m going to be with,” said Fatima, a fifth grade student, also at Admiral Byrd. “We’re going to make new friends, share what we did with our summers, and make new memories.”
Despite all the thrills that surround the first day of school, students were able to still set goals for the coming year. Some wanted to challenge themselves to try new activities or clubs, while many wanted to build stronger understandings of their favorite subjects.
Teachers, coaches, and administrators, new and familiar, came prepared to help them achieve those goals.
“I’ve truly enjoyed visiting our schools to see the outstanding work of our staff as they make final preparations to welcome our students into their classrooms,” said CCSD59 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Art Fessler. “There is great enthusiasm and excitement at all of our buildings, and we look forward to a great start to our new school year.”