Schools

Kids and Parents Deal with Excitement, Nerves on First Day of School

The first day of school is a mix of emotions for kindergarteners and parents alike.

As Rye students head back to school today, some of them will be entering a classroom all day for the first time, a rite of passage that is as exciting and nerve-wracking for kids as it is for parents.

"I'm very excited for him. It's bittersweet in the sense that he's growing up so fast," said Sam Weinman, whose 5-year-old son, Charlie, will be starting kindergarten at Milton School today.

Weinman was one of nearly 50 parents who attended the school's ice cream social on Thursday, an annual tradition that allows parents and kids to visit the school and become acquainted with their classmates and teachers.

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"It's good for the parents to meet each other and feel secure that they know their child's routine," said JoAnne Nardone, the principal of Milton School.

Kindergarteners attending school today will be treated to a spirit assembly and faculty and staff will introduce all the grades at the school, Nardone said.

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The school day will begin at 8:40 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., but Nardone said once the kindergarteners are busy and active, they'll feel more comfortable with the length of the school day.

Meghan Donovan, a kindergarten teacher at the school, said on the first day her kindergarten students are either crying, holding on to their parents or completely ecstatic to start school.

She said it usually takes kids about two weeks to get adjusted. She said the first day will involve teaching the kids the rules of school and how they should treat and interact with their classmates. Teachers will also read stories and do projects with the kindergarteners.

Donovan said sometimes parents have a more difficult time on the first day than do students.

"I think parents would like to stay in the classroom," she said.


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