Vernon Heads Back to School Under Sunny Skies

Thursday’s sunny skies welcomed Vernon students back to their first day of school after a turbulent beginning of the week that caused the school opening to be delayed because of the hurricane/tropical storm that has left many still without power here in Connecticut.

Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway explained that staff and parents have been very cooperative during the recovery from Irene that impacted the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine.

“The first day went very well. It went very smooth. We were delighted, especially after the Hurricane,” Conway said. “We are really in good shape.”

Vernon’s bus company received its power back the eve before the first day of school, requiring parents to be called to move bus stops around until things are back to normal, according to Conway. Several roads in town are still blocked as well.

“Everyone has been cooperative and helpful,” Conway said. “Parents and staff have been wonderful.  It has been great.”

Rockville High School and Vernon Center Middle School began the first day of school with fewer students than normal.  Students in sixth and ninth grade started school Thursday, while seventh, eighth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders start on Friday.

RHS Principal Eric Baim thought the first day at the high school was great. He reported that only 10 students of the approximately 280 expected freshmen didn’t come to school Thursday.

“We had great team-building activities in the morning. Our upper class students in the LINK Crew along with the entire staff were wonderful,” Baim said. “I am really looking forward to the positive energy these upperclassmen, new students, and staff have.  I have never heard more people say how great it feels and exciting it is to be back. That is the atmosphere we need here at RHS. Everyone is upbeat and cannot wait to get to work with the kids.”

Michal Cain is the new principal at VCMS. The middle school will have approximately 750 students this year, but welcomed about 250 sixth graders on opening day. Sixth graders were acclimated to the school and all staff members, according to Cain. Students attended an orientation to learn what clubs and activities are offered at the middle school. There was discussion about bullying and how to make friends.  Parents were also given an opportunity to ask questions and take part in a welcoming breakfast.

“I thought the first day went well,” Cain said. “We are ready to roll. The staff is excited to be here.”

Lake Street School Principal Robert Testa and about 45 staff members welcomed more than 285 students to school.  The day began with students and families gathered around the flag pole for a special ceremony.

“Our first day brought endless sunshine, countless smiling faces, and a feeling of excitement on the part of all members of the Lake Street School learning community,” Testa said. “We are looking forward to an excellent year of learning and fun at Lake Street School.”

Maple Street School also had a great first day. Parents were invited to a welcoming breakfast that provided opportunities for questions to be asked, according to Principal Lois Possell.  Bryan Flint a school supporter and community organizer and Family Resource Center liaison Tess MacKenzie were also on hand to support the first day.

“The students and staff are off to a great start at Maple Street School,” Possel said. “After a brief opening ceremony that was very well attended by parents and guardians, students headed for their classrooms with their teachers.”

Northeast School also started its day with a flag ceremony. Approximately 300 students and 50 staff members arrived for the first day of school to “fabulous” weather, according to principal Michael DeBellis.  The day went well with staff and students learning about each other and school expectations.

“Students did an excellent job following rules and I was so impressed at how respectful the students were to each other, as well as the staff.  I am so excited to see how the students progress this year academically,” DeBellis said. “I think Northeast School and the Vernon District as a whole has a great vision of where we want to take the students. I look forward to seeing it all come together. The students and staff at Northeast School today exceeded my expectations and I am so proud to be part of this school.”

Matthew Wlodarczyk, principal at Skinner Road School said there are always kinks that need to be worked out the first few weeks of school, but overall the first day was a good one at the school.

“It’s always great to have the end of the first day of school,” Wlodarczyk said with a chuckle. “It all comes together. It went fabulously.”

Skinner Road students also began their day with a ceremony around the flag pole. A tradition that is “simple,” “nice” and something that “brings everyone together,” Wlodarczyk said. Students also learned about the Positive Behavior Support system that Vernon schools use. Skinner Road’s program is called STARs (Safe, Truthful, Academic and Respectful). The students will be receiving Star Bucks as rewards for their good behavior, Wlodarczyk said. Other than a few transportation glitches, Skinner Road’s approximate 375 student population had a great day. 

Center Road School is knows for its many walkers who always parade up Center Road with their parents on the first day.

Said Center Road Principal Jocelyn Poglitsche, "Our opening day at Center Road School was a great success. Students arrived happy and ready to start the day. We are ready for an exceptional year of learning."