The 2015-2016 school year began Wednesday for West Hartford Public Schools.
Makenzie poses with her new third grade teacher, Brian Petronio. This is Petronio’s 18th year at Braeburn. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Ronni Newton
West Hartford Public Schools opened the doors to students Wednesday morning, kicking off the start of the 2015-2016 academic year.
The mild and sunny weather was picture perfect for outdoor ceremonies at the town’s 11 elementary schools.
Jeffrey Sousa, newly-named as interim principal of Braeburn Elementary School, welcomed students and their families with a tale about his chickens.
“This morning my chickens escaped in my backyard,” Sousa said, explaining that as he was getting dressed for the big day he looked out the window and saw that not only were his chickens running around the backyard, but they were being chased by a cat.
Sousa said he was quickly able to rescue all of the chickens – that he had raised from the time they were yellow balls of fluff – get them back in their coop, and shoo away the cat.
“We’re going to take care of your babies here, too,” Sousa told the parents.
He urged the students to grow as much as they can during the year and said that the teachers would be sure to celebrate all along the way. “Most important, never, never give up,” Sousa said.
“Your teachers and I will listen to you, observe your work, and ask your opinion.”
Music is a tradition at elementary school opening day ceremonies, and the Braeburn singers entertained the audience with “America.” Cub Scouts Christian and Jeremy Hunt led the the Pledge of Allegiance.
“We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish this year,” Sousa said as the smiling students followed their teachers in to the building to begin the school year at Braeburn.
Across West Hartford, approximately 9,500 public school students headed back to school Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent Andy Morrow said.
In addition to Braeburn, Aiken, Charter Oak International Academy, and Smith STEM also have new principals. Morrow said that there are 40 new teachers on staff as well as 35 interim or long-term substitutes who are now in permanent positions.
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Patrice Neidle and her son Jackson head up the walk to Braeburn Elementary School Wednesday morning. Jackson is in Mr.s Burns’ third grade class. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Makenzie poses with her new third grade teacher, Brian Petronio. This is Petronio’s 18th year at Braeburn. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn fourth graders line up with their teachers and classmates. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Students, teachers, and parents gather on the blacktop behind Braeburn Elementary School for the annual opening ceremony. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn parents snap photos of their children as they prepare for the first day of school 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn Interim Principal Jeffrey Sousa welcomes everyone to the first day of school 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Braeburn Singers sing “America” at the school’s annual opening day flag ceremony. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn Cub Scouts Christian and Jeremy Hunt lead Principal Jeffrey Sousa and the rest of the community in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn students line up with their teachers to head into the building for the start of the school year. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn students head into school for the first day of the 2015-2016 academic year. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn Principal Jeffrey Sousa chats with a parent as the students file into the building. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
One mom grabs a last-minute photo of her child and classmates before the school day begins. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Braeburn Principal Jeffrey Sousa chats with some students as they head into the school to begin the first day. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The crossing guard in front of Braeburn Elementary School greets everyone with a friendly welcome as she helps them safely cross Braeburn Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
