By Berit Ollestad
Students, parents and administrators appear to have made a pretty smooth start to the 2015-16 school year, based on our random, highly un-scientific survey.
“It was really good to be back in school and see all my friends” said Morristown High junior Nicole Davis. “I appreciate the academics and the teachers are great.”
Another MHS junior needed clarification before naming his favorite class.
“Do you mean what is my favorite class or what class has the coolest kids in it?”
How about both?
“Oh that’s easy: Biology,” answered the student, who preferred to stay anonymous.
The highlight of the day for Alfred Vail School kindergartner Raf Walker was finally being able to take the bus with his big sister, Sussex Avenue School 3rd grader Sophia Walker.
Many families have children in more than one school. Morristown mom Jenn Coglon has five kids in the district and was relieved that this year they are in only three different schools instead of four, like last year.
Coglon’s 1st grader was most excited to show friends his new lunch box. But her 3rd grader was not excited at all about returning to school; she campaigned all summer to be home -schooled. Since this is the first time in more than 13 years that mom hasn’t had a kid at home, the youngster’s chances of prevailing were pretty slim.
“Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride” is Coglon’s motto.
Meeting teachers was a highlight for many pupils. As she was preparing for her first spelling test of the year, Sussex Avenue 4th-grader Aislyn Rivera gave her teacher a passing grade.
Meanwhile, her brother Joseph Rivera, literally was cutting up his 5th-grade class.
“Our teacher let us cut out Superheroes for our lockers and she has a really good sense of humor,” he said.
According to Administrative Assistant Melissa Johnson, the lockers always are popular with students. This is especially true with the incoming 3rd graders, since this is a real milestone in becoming a “big kid.”
With near record-breaking temperatures outside, the Alfred Vail School set up cooling stations inside, said Principal Janet Kellman.
“It was so lovely, an absolutely perfect day. There was great energy and everyone was so energized to be back. Each year the process gets better and more refined,” Kellman said of her first day back in her sixth year as principal.
School crossing guard Mindy Martin started her 15th year, at Speedwell Avenue across from Alfred Vail.
“It’s fun to watch the kids grow up right before my eyes and to get to know the families,” Martin said.
Sussex Avenue Principal Pete Frazzano called last week the best opening he’s had in his six years there.
“I visited each classroom numerous times throughout the day and to see all the smiles on the students’ faces was really emotional. It wouldn’t have been the success that it was without the great staff that I have,” Frazzano said.
Alfred Vail kindergarten teacher MaryLou Scalera, a 14-year veteran, was impressed with how many pleases and thank yous she heard throughout opening day.
“Unfortunately, far too often parents make their children the center of their universe and at times it’s difficult for them to adjust to the actual reality when they enter school. It was wonderful today to stand back and watch these children be friends to one another and to help each other without me having to teach them that,” Scalera said.
Things did not go quite as smoothly for another Alfred Vail kindergarten teacher, Michelle Harris, who had to deal with an over-flowing toilet in her classroom, a malfunctioning CD player and a little girl having a meltdown because she wanted her mommy.
After years on the Morristown council, however, Harris is not easily rattled.
MORE ABOUT BACK-TO-SCHOOL:
‘Principled, prosperous, meaningful lives’ : New Morris superintendent maps district path
