Sandy Hook School Kindergarteners Make The Grade

By Larissa Lytwyn

With just days to go before the school year kicked off August 31, Newtown kindergarteners proved that they were ready to join the “big kids.”

While their families provided a watchful eye from the background, youngsters marched to their buses, many as first-time riders.

“They’ve been great,” said bus driver George Oberstadt. “Not one cried, except one — the bus driver!” he laughed.

As tyke-filled busses rolled into the Sandy Hook school parking lot during the morning of August 27, parents like Robin Riley were there waiting, camcorder in hand.

“This is my third oldest son beginning kindergarten today,” Ms Riley said. “His name is Jack.”

Jack has two younger siblings — now infants — that will mark their arrival to school in the years to come.

“Jack has been wonderful,” Ms Riley said, adding proudly, “No tears!”

As Jack disembarked from the bright yellow bus, his mother couldn’t help but cry, “I love you!”

“I love you, too,” Jack said, smiling.

The children were gathered in the lobby before being guided to their classrooms.

“The kids have been really great this year,” noted clerical assistant Connie Caruso.

The buses, she said, were running about 10 to 15 minutes behind — but not because of any problems with routing or drivers.

“Sometimes it takes a while, with the parents saying their good-byes and sometimes, of course, there might be a few tears,” said Ms Caruso.

She vividly recalls the day her own son, now 14, left for kindergarten.

“He was fine,” she said. “But I was crying! It’s a big step.”

The students would be learning basic school rules and information.

They would return with their older peers for the official start of school August 31.

Upon entering their classes, the children, receiving apple-shaped nametags, suddenly seemed shy as they peered up at their teacher for the first time.

Kindergarten teacher Sue Perry and educational assistant Debby Pisani moved quickly to minimize any potential distress by engaging their students with questions and compliments.

“I like your shirt,” Ms Perry told one student, who wore a bright red shirt with a Spider-Man logo on it.

Ms Pisani talked to another boy about his family’s trip last summer to the Bahamas. Then she asked a few girls how the bus ride was.

“Bumpy,” they replied, “but fun!”

Sounds like the average student’s school year.

There may be a few bumps along the road, but learning and meeting others can be a lot of fun!