Schools
Shaking Off Those First Day Jitters
Some of the students were a little nervous to return or begin their school careers, but a prepared and friendly staff helped them shake those nerves to kick off the school year on a good note in Southington Thursday morning.
Alex Eggers, a kindergarten student at Plantsville Elementary School, was visibly nervous as she walked toward the entrance with her mom Betsy Eggers and dad Christian Eggers by her side Thursday morning. She hugged her mom’s leg and kept her head down for much of the walk.
By the time a 15 minute assembly ended to kick off the first day of school, however, Eggers and the vast majority of other children at the school were smiling, laughing and enjoying time with their classmates.
“The school has done a great job to make the students feel welcomed,” said Betsy Eggers. “It’s an exciting day. As a parent, you can’t help but worry about security, but they have addressed our questions and the staff has been fantastic. I think Alex will fit right in.”
So what was Alex looking forward to most? Spending some time socializing with her new friends “on the playground,” she said.
Across the community, Southington public schools had a largely successful start to the 2013-14 school year with students showing excitement, energy and a desire to learn. Staff was motivated, administrators said, as the district prepares to tackle new challenges including implementation of all-day kindergarten and the state’s Common Core Standards.
Patricia Corvello, principal at the Plantsville School, said staff have worked all summer to implement the changes and be ready so that as of Thursday, the focus would shift to the students.
“Today is all about the kids,” she said. “We want them to feel comfortable on the first day and ready to have a great year.”
Liliana Vera, a first grade student, is prepared to do exactly that.
An avid reader with an interest in how things work, she said she is looking forward to being able to learn to read better and discovering more stories while also spending as much time doing things related to science. Of course, she also plans to have fun.
“I’ll enjoy it,” she said.
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