Students Head Back To Class

By Susan Coney

Judging by the high volume of traffic, congestion at all the coffee shops, and the squeal of excited youngsters, one thing was clear, school was definitely back in session this week. Every fall brings the predictable rhythm of the start to a bright, new school year, with the promise of all kinds of unique experiences and adventures for students. On Tuesday, August 30, Newtown Public Schools were open for business.

Due to the drizzle, or perhaps the first day jitters, many students were brought to area schools by parents.

A short, early morning commute to Newtown High School proved to be extremely time-consuming as traffic moved at a crawl, snaking a path down Wasserman Way. Upon reaching the high school, things sped up and the movement of buses, parents dropping off teens, and student drivers proceeded in a timely fashion like a well-oiled machine.

Driving around the outskirts of town clusters of children and parents could be seen grouped together at corners, waiting the arrival of the reliable school bus for transportation to school.

One such bus stop at the corner of Queen Street and Grand Place brought forth children ranging in ages from preschool through the sixth grade as well as parents, grandparents, and even the family dog. Parents toted cameras, camcorders, and the much-needed mug of coffee as they patiently waited to meet the bus. Some students wrestled and climbed a large stone structure on the corner while others waited quietly. Parents chatted and agreed that sure enough another school year had begun.

While visiting the back parking lot of Reed Intermediate School at about 8:15 am the buses arrived on time and in short waves allowing Assistant Principal Tony Salvatore and a group of teachers to line up and escort students into the building as they arrived.

Superintendent Evan Pitkoff was present at Reed Intermediate School to greet the students as they exited the buses. And Director of Transportation Tony DiLonardo, also present at Reed, spoke with each driver briefly as students were dropped off. Each individual involved in the process seemed to have the routine down pat, and the students were off to their first day with a smooth start.

At 8:58 am students arrived at Sandy Hook Elementary School on time and ready to disembark. First to come off were the kindergarteners who were escorted into the building. Then the older elementary school students stepped off the buses, dressed in their best back to school clothing and chattering excitedly about what lay ahead for their first day back.