All-Star Transportation employees assembled at the new Sandy Hook Elementary School ahead of the 2016-17 school year for the company's annual back-to-school meeting on Wednesday, August 17.

All-Star Transportation Newtown Manager Alan Colangelo, Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, and Board of Education member John Vouros welcomed the group to the school ahead of a meeting of planned announcements and a tour of the new facility.

Dr Erardi shared his sense of pride, with the first day of the 2016-17 school year, August 29, approaching.

For the first day of the 2016-17 school year, Dr Erardi said he is hopeful of a quiet start. The superintendent said he hopes, "We return to great teachers, we return to great learners, and [that] we do not return to [the] media."

Over the course of the nine different opportunities for local residents to see the school since the end of July, Dr Erardi estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people had walked the new hallways and learning spaces.

Approximately 60 percent of the Sandy Hook School staff that was employed at the school prior to the events of 12/14 will be returning to teach for the 2016-17 school year, with most of those not returning made up of retirees, those who had relocated, "and a handful" who chose to work elsewhere, the superintendent said.

Between 365 and 375 students are expected to start the new school year at Sandy Hook School on August 29, Dr Erardi said. They will enter a school where a Ben's Bell-inspired "Be Kind" mosaic dominates a wall, created by school staff at the start of June. The mosaic is on an inside wall near one entrance to the school.

After going over information for the 2016-17 school year with Mr Colangelo at the meeting, Dr Erardi said the All-Star Transportation employees would be allowed to roam the hallways, and visit the music room and the library that he said "is a really neat place for teaching and learning."

Sandy Hook School is a state-of-the-art school, the superintendent said.

"I think it looks terrific," Dr Erardi said, adding that one challenge when local boards were designing the space was to have it be warm and nurturing, while being a model of security for the country.

Dr Erardi and Mr Vouros also spoke to news from the night before that the Board of Education had approved a new five-year contract with All-Star Transportation for the 2017-22 school years.

"We welcome you to Sandy Hook. We are thrilled you are here," said Dr Erardi, adding that the school board was pleased to extend All-Star's contract with the district. "And I think part of that has to do with the service you provide for our children, and I mean that sincerely."

Mr Vouros said bus drivers are the beginning and end of the day for many students.

"I know how important your job is in regards to the children we entrust to you," said Mr Vouros.

Sharing his thanks, Mr Vouros said he is calmed knowing the professionals in the new cafetorium that morning know what they are doing with the children of Newtown.

"It was a pleasure for us to vote and talk about extending your contract," Mr Vouros said, adding that it was a reflection on the drivers.

Mr Vouros wished all in attendance a "good year."