Summer's Cool, But School Rules

Forget the 3 R's — The first day of school in North Penn School District's elementary schools was only about one: Reunion.

The overcast and damp weather on Tuesday didn't wash out plans for and elementary school students to get back in the swing of things on the first day of the 2012-2013 school year.

Walton Farm students were welcomed with music in the lobby as they and their parents met their respective teachers for the school year.

"I am so excited to start the 2012-2013 school year," said Walton Farm principal Sylvannya Dantzler.

Dantzler said Tuesday was a day for students to get to know one another and their teachers.

"We want them to feel comfortable with their classmates," Dantzler said. "The little guys are excited as much as the fifth- and sixth-graders are excited about coming to school."

Fourth-grade teacher Jessica Linn said she was looking forward to interacting with her students.

"The kids become more independent, they're fun and we can have conversation, and they are independent thinkers," Linn said. "I like to be a part of that."

Patti Melchior's sixth-grade class was one full of enthusiasm - every single student loved that she was their teacher this year. And vice versa.

"I was very thrilled when I got my list last week. A lot of these kids - I've had their siblings and some are brand new to me," she said.

Melchior said she had a great summer that was spent doing many things with her husband and little boys.

"But I have been waiting to see all my students," she said.

Over in Hatfield at Oak Park Elementary, finding a spot to park Tuesday morning was difficult: the parking lot was packed and Squirrel Lane, Elm Avenue, Pine Street and Pinegrove Avenue were lined bumper to bumper with cars.

Oak Park had an outdoor meet-and-greet planned for students and teachers on the playground, but everything was moved indoors.

That didn't stop the hallways of the school from mimicking the streets outside.

And in the midst of it all was district Superintendent Dr. Curt Dietrich.

"It's great," he said of the vibe Tuesday morning. "There's all this enthusiasm and a real upbeat atmosphere."

He was happy to see a strong instructional staff and great support staff talking with parents and students alike.

The sadness of a summer ending wasn't present on any face at Oak Park, or Walton Farm for that matter.

"This is what we do," Dietrich said. "We always look forward to opening day. All our teachers and staff work hard to prepare for this. It's good to see things happening the way they are today."

Check out our video packages on Walton Farm Elementary's first day and Oak Park's first day in our gallery!

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