Norwalk Students 'Happy To Be Back' On First Day Of School

NORWALK, CT — Despite some minor transportation issues, district officials and police said the first day back for students at Norwalk Public Schools ran smoothly.

Brenda Wilcox Williams, a district spokesperson, said students enjoyed an exciting and successful first day of school Monday. She also noted all students and staff wore masks in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, and no issues were reported.

"Students were really happy to be back in person," Williams said in an email, "and our teachers and staff were so pleased to see them."

According to Williams, Superintendent Alexandra Estrella started the day by greeting the district's bus drivers and making sure transportation operations were ready to roll.

From there, Estrella and Deputy Superintendent Thomas McBryde traveled to a number of schools, including Jefferson Elementary School, Ponus Ridge Middle School, Kendall Elementary School, Silvermine Dual-Language Magnet School, Wolfpit Elementary School and Cranbury Elementary School.

Williams said other members of the district's senior leadership team visited more schools throughout the city Monday. Estrella will also continue visiting schools Tuesday and Wednesday, ultimately visiting all schools in Norwalk within the first three days of classes.

One minor issue the district encountered involved some buses arriving later than scheduled, something Williams noted is not unusual early in the school year.

"There is always more traffic than usual on the first day, as many parents prefer to drop off their child," Williams said. "In addition, drivers are getting used to routes and working around construction and traffic delays, and our younger students are not yet used to the routine of getting on and off the school bus."

Williams said the district will be watching transportation closely this week and work with schools to adjust any arrival and dismissal procedures if necessary.

Police Lt. Joseph Dinho said there was traffic congestion around schools in Norwalk on Monday, which is common for a regular school day.

"At the beginning of a new school year, it is also not uncommon to have increased traffic congestion for the first several days," Dinho said in an email, "as parents and caregivers wish to share in the excitement of a new chapter for their children, and one of the ways is by bringing them to and picking them up from school."

Dinho said the large amount of students being dropped off does increase traffic around the city's schools, however it usually dissipates after the first week back as more students start to take the bus.

"We wish all students great success in this new school year," Dinho said, "and thank school staff for the wonderful dedication they consistently provide to our children's education, along with the great support from parents."

Norwalk Board of Education Chair Colin Hosten said the first day back to school always brings a unique mix of nerves and excitement.

"As a board, we are thrilled to welcome our students, teachers and staff back for another school year," Hosten said in an email, "and look forward to our students continuing to inspire us with their joy, camaraderie and eagerness for learning."