Darien schools open smoothly on first day

The transition into a new school year was a smooth one for Darien.

Darien High School Principal Dan Haron said everything went well on the first day of school and he saw many smiling faces while walking around to visit the classrooms.

"There was a palpable energy in the air," Haron said. "The students were happy to be back."

Middlesex Middle School also had a good start to the school year, according to Principal Debi Boccanfuso.

"It was a very smooth opening," Boccanfuso said. "The students all agreed that the summer was very short but they were happy to be back."

Principal Keith Margolus at Royle Elementary School was pleased to report a problem-free opening for the beginning of the school year.

"It was absolutely fantastic," Margolus said. "The kids got off the bus and just ran right into their routines."

Margolus added that he didn't see any tears from the students but there may have been a few from parents.

Transportation was not an issue during the morning although a few buses were a little late, mostly because parents wanted to take pictures of their children getting on the bus, Margolus said.

Excitement was in the air at Hindley Elementary School, said Principal Rita Ferri.

"The children got off the bus and they were saying how excited they were to be back at school," Ferri said. "It was fun to see all the new sneakers and backpacks."

Holmes Elementary School officials also greeted their students without any problems on Monday morning.

Principal Geraldine Petrizzi said the opening went extremely well and the students were happy to be back.

"The kids went into the school with smiling faces," Petrizzi said.

The buses arrived on time and as students got off, they were greeted by teachers, Petrizzi said.

"It was a very exciting time for everyone."

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Falcone said the first day of the year was wonderful with very few problems.

Despite having a few buses that were running a little late, Principal John Rechi said Ox Ridge had a very smooth opening for the first day.

"It's amazing how quickly and easily the students adjusted," Rechi said. Rechi was happy to report that nearly all the students were in attendance and that everyone was able to get to where they needed to be.

Tokeneke Elementary School Principal Marylee Fisher was not able to be reached for comment at the time of publication.

"I had the opportunity to see lots of smiling student faces, and parents and teachers," Falcone said.

With 4,800 students enrolled in the public schools, the highest in a long time, Falcone said there were only a few kinks to work out with schedules and bus routes.

"I would say overall that people were adjusting well to being back in school," Falcone said.