The 2026-2027 school year began for West Hartford Public Schools on Aug. 26, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

The first day of school is a “fresh start” moment, filled with eager anticipation as kids and their parents reconnect with friends they may not have seen all summer, and smiling teachers greet their new students.

At West Hartford’s Morley School, perhaps the most excited person on the playground Wednesday morning was newly-appointed Principal Laura Meka, who along with Assistant Principal Tracey Rotella stood outside the main entrance on a bright and sunny warming, welcoming students and their families to the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

“I am just super excited. The building is so quiet and lonely but when kids come, it comes to life, and that’s what we want,” she said as after the official welcome she watched the elementary school students follow their teachers into the building. Meka, who was chosen to succeed longtime Morley Principal Ryan Cleary, started in her new role on Aug. 10 and understands what it means to be starting fresh.

“So I tell the kids I’m working with them – with all the new kids – because some of the new kids were a little worried and afraid so I said, ‘Listen, we’re gonna learn together,'” Meka said. She’s already found some fifth grade “experts” to help out.

“That’s why I talked about making a friend and being a friend,” said Meka. In her welcome message, she had said that “everybody here at school is here to help you, and we are your school family.”

Meka also said she had “four big wishes” for the students, starting with “Be kind,” and say hello. “Help someone who needs it. Include everyone,” she said. “Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make somebody else’s day a whole lot better.”

Wish No. 2: “Be brave. … Learning new things can be hard. You might make mistakes, but that’s okay,” she said, because they’re proof that you’re trying.

Her third wish was to “have fun,” Meka said. “Have fun at school. School is a place to learn, but it’s also a place to make friends … discover what you love, laugh, create, explore, and make great memories.”

And finally, before sharing a joke and a cheer, she added, “Make a friend, and be a friend.”

“Wonderful start to the year. Lots of smiles and excitement,” said Superintendent Paul Vicinus, who along with other members of the executive team was visiting schools throughout the district. “Hallways filled with children reconnecting and making new friendships.”

“Great start filled with lots of energy,” Assistant Superintendent for Administration Julio Duarte, who was also out visiting schools on Wednesday, told We-Ha.com in a text. “The buses were good,” he added. “I really appreciate all the hard work everyone put in to make sure today got off to a great start!”

During an interview with We-Ha.com last week, Vicinus provided details on construction projects and other updates related to the 2026-2027 academic year. As of the end of last week, Vicinus said total enrollment in West Hartford Public Schools Pre-K through Grade 12 was 9,328 (342 students in Pre-K; 4,063 in elementary school; 2,100 in middle school; and 2823 in high school), which includes students who are out-placed. There are also roughly 90 students in the district’s Post-Secondary program.

Teachers were welcomed back with a Convocation ceremony on Monday.

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