School bells rang around the Island on Tuesday morning as students, parents, teachers and school staff said goodbye to summer and hello to a new school year.
School bells rang around the Island on Tuesday morning as students, parents, teachers and school staff said goodbye to summer and hello to a new school year.
High school seniors began the day before dawn, heading to the Jaws Bridge to watch the sunrise together as a class before beginning their final year at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
At the West Tisbury School, a unicorn was on hand to ease the transition from summer to school.
For years, librarian Stephanie Dreyer has brought her horse Michael with her to usher in a new year. This year, Michael was dressed up as a unicorn and Ms. Dreyer was decked out in rainbow attire as kids of all ages took pictures with her and Michael.
Feeling strong at the West Tisbury School.
Feeling strong at the West Tisbury School.
“He gets a kick out of the kids, but he’s good,” Ms. Dreyer said. “Most horses would not stand here like this.”
In Edgartown, new principal Kate Campbell also had an animal helper, her
Bernedoodle, Shae, standing by her side at the front door.
“Shae, paw?” said fourth-grader Wyatt, reaching out for a friendly shake.
But Shae had other plans and eased into a sleepy downward dog stretch, still waking up and adjusting to the new morning routine.
New Edgartown School principal Kate Campbell and her Bernadoodle Shea welcome back Barrett Robichau.
New Edgartown School principal Kate Campbell and her Bernadoodle Shea welcome back Barrett Robichau.
“Shae comes to school every day,” Ms. Campbell said. “Her job is to make kids and staff smile.”
Ms. Campbell said the summer was a busy one, meeting with teachers and families. The best part about the first day of school, she said, is greeting the students, whose energy brings the building to life.
“I’m very excited to see the kids in action and be able to meet their personalities...” Ms. Campbell said. “We’re going to make learning fun.”
In Oak Bluffs,
Jessica Rodriguez, 8, was beginning to her first year as a Vineyard student. Jessica’s family is in the military and moved to the Island from Guam in July.
Oak Bluffs School principal Jeremy Light helps a child out.
Oak Bluffs School principal Jeremy Light helps a child out.
“I’m kind of nervous to make friends,” Jessica said.
Her mother, Jaclyn Rodriguez, said that she is looking forward to spending time with other parents on the Island and at school.
“We’re really excited to get more connected to the school and the community,” Ms. Rodriguez said.
Ira Guzman, who is going into second grade at the Oak Bluffs, sat with his father and two younger brothers, Cal and Franklin, before it was time to go in. This year, he is looking forward to being a reading buddy for a kindergartner.
“I like being the older one,” he said.
Officer Michael Snowden drops his daughter Sloan off at the Edgartown School.
Officer Michael Snowden drops his daughter Sloan off at the Edgartown School.
Other students were excited about changes to the campus.
“I’m looking forward to the new playground,” said seven-year-old Aria Abdelnour.
Oak Bluffs School principal Jeremy Light was also pleased about the improvements on campus. Both the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten playground and the K-4 playground were redone over the summer.
“We’ve got two new playgrounds we’re excited to show the kiddos and to have them back in the building,” he said. “It’s going to be a great year.”
Back in West Tisbury, third graders Jace, Ryder, Sebastian and Jaxon chatted outside of the school before the first bell rang at 8:10 a.m. They were all disappointed that summer had ended, but excited for new freedoms that come with getting older.
Ready to roll at the West Tisbury School.
Ready to roll at the West Tisbury School.
“I’m really excited about the laptops,” Sebastian said.
“We’re going to make Roblox,” Ryder added.
Siblings Maxim and Marie Bilzerian, who are entering sixth and fourth grade respectively, enjoyed a trip to Europe this summer with their family. Maxim loved the history associated with the cities he visited.
“I’m interested in social studies,” Maxim said. “I like history a lot.”
Marie enjoys words and writing.
“I like spelling because I’m good at it,” she said.
Fernanda Iannucci was dropping her son Lorenzo off for second grade. Lorenzo is in a specialized learning program at school and Ms. Iannucci said she felt good sending her son in with the school staff.
“I’m not just the one dropping him off,” she said. “There’s always someone helping him to feel secure and happy.”
Riley Kayaka, who is entering seventh grade at the Edgartown School, offered some encouraging words for younger students who might feel anxious about starting school.
“It’s okay if you’re nervous,” Riley said. “It will get better.”
Comments
Thank God!
Mark West TisburyThank God!
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