Banners, balloons, and Welcome Back signs adorned the entrances last week as new and returning students made their way into Somers schools on September 1. The 2022-23 school year is off to a great start.
High fives, hugs, and countless smiles from teachers and staff on a beautiful, sunny day surely warded off any first day jitters for elementary and intermediate school students.
Primrose Elementary School welcomed 521 students in kindergarten through second grade, along with two Universal Pre-Kindergarten classrooms.
“Students returned to classrooms with desks in clusters, beautiful rugs, and updated technology,” said Primrose Elementary School Principal Katie Winter. “Students and staff alike were so happy to be together.”
A red, white, and black balloon arch at the entrance was flanked by teachers and staff excitedly awaiting students at Somers Intermediate School. “We had a wonderful first day of school,” said SIS Principal Elizabeth Turner. “Students were welcomed eagerly by district and building staff and had a chance to take class pictures by the welcoming balloon arch,” Turner said. “Each grade participated in an in-person welcome back assembly - an activity SIS was excited to hold after a two-year hiatus.”
Students at Somers Middle School participated in many "get to know you" activities in their classrooms. Principal Jeff Getman said the opening day of school ran smoothly for all students, with new sixth graders managing their lockers and new schedules easily. Getman said the sixth through eighth grade lunch and recess periods were also well organized and glitch-free. “Overall, it was a great success,” he said.
At Somers High School, the Class of 2023 gathered in the cafeteria for a special “Senior Breakfast” to kick off the start of their final year. An all-school assembly on the first day of school focused on the power of kindness and the potential Somers High School students possess in the lives of those around them. The theme for the year -- "To the world you might be just one person, but to one person, you might be the whole world" – challenged students to think about simple ways they can make a difference.
Principal Mark Bayer said the return to "Community Lunch" at SHS was welcomed and successful so far, despite some technical problems that were quickly resolved. “In all, our first two days of school have been terrific, and it's so great to see all of our 1,024 students back in school, as we return to normal for the first time in two and a half years,” he said.
9-8-2022
