Students return for first day of school year

Teachers and staff welcomed back an enthusiastic group of students for the 2026-2027 school year. Students were excited to see familiar faces and to start learning.

“I get to see my friends because it was kind of boring without them,” said seventh grader Gannon Buotte.” I’m excited to learn Spanish and learn a little bit more about math. My teachers sound pretty cool.”

Buotte added about being in seventh grade, “It’s kind of crazy because it doesn’t feel like that long ago I was in pre-K. I’m definitely going to study a lot harder. I don’t know if tests are going to be harder, but they might be a little bit trickier.”

At the elementary school, Audrey Feliciano began her first day with students as principal. Feliciano, who was approved by the Board of Education for the role on Aug. 31, led the morning program before welcoming students and their families reporting to school.

“Being new to the school, my charge this year is really supporting attendance and parent engagement,” she said. “We want students to be in their classrooms. Students in attendance means engaged students.

“I just want to make sure that we’re exceeding what a typical expectation is. This is a small community and we should have every single kid in attendance.”

Kindergarten teacher Brianna Swart was by her classroom door to say hi to former students and her new students. She enjoys seeing the growth of students throughout the school year.

“I’m very excited about the school year. I get to see my old friends and my new friends,” she said.

Matt Pascale, high school principal, was standing outside the main entrance of his school to say hello to students as they entered the building.

“I always look to be as engaging as possible and make sure the kids know they can see me and I’m here,” he said. “It’s a super exciting time of year. I just look forward to getting back into a routine and getting the students focused on going through another year of high school.”