A New School Year is Finally Here

Congratulations, parents, you finally made it: After an extended summer, the kids are in school.

It took a little longer than anticipated with a two-day delay because of the power outage.

But the buses rolled this morning. And for youngsters waiting for the bus in North Grafton, excitement and smiles ruled the day.

Amalia Palmer, 5, started her first day of kindergarten today.

“I’m excited for her,’’ her mom Katherine said. “Especially with two days to get over’’ the back to school “jitters.’’

Patrick “P.J.” McDonough, 5, was looking forward to the start of school. And so was his mother, Danielle.

“I’m excited to get it started,’’ she said. P.J. is the last of her five children to start school.

“We were very excited,’’ she said. “There were no tears in this house.’’

Amy Thornton has two older children, which she said may have eased her anxiety as her third child, second grader Abby Thornton, prepared for the big day.

And Abby was all smiles while waiting for the bus. Her smile did not fade as the bus arrived and she climbed aboard for the start of a new school year.

“I’m really excited,’’ she said.