Students and staff expressed similar feelings on the first day of school. There was excitement and some butterflies as the Rhinebeck Central School District welcomed back students at the three schools.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting a lot of new people in my class and I’m excited to go into a new school year,” said fourth grader Jaleh Kemp, adding that she was excited about advancing her math skills in the upcoming year. “I enjoy everything about math,” she said. “It’s how you can look at the numbers and you just know how they go together.”
Elizabeth Yearwood stood in her classroom doorway to welcome students as their parents dropped them off. Yearwood is beginning her 20th year in the district, her 19th as a second grade teacher.
“It never gets old,” she said. “The excitement of seeing the families coming in, the children, the smiles, it’s wonderful.”
Yearwood said she’s looking forward to a school year that will include new classroom activities, field trips, school events and a back-to-school block party.
“We’ll make it a fun environment and welcoming,” she said.
Shannon Harris is beginning her first year as an art teacher in the high school. She previously taught at Albany High School and Millbrook Prep School.
“I was nervous, but also excited,” she said. “It’s always new students, a new day and a new year. So I think you get those butterflies either way, new school or not.”
Harris shared her impressions of Rhinebeck students after her first class.
“I think they’re very personable,” she said. “In my class this morning, they were all looking at me in the eyes, and were listening to each other. I went over the class, gauged where they were coming from and what led them to choose the class. I got to know them a little bit.”
Superintendent of Schools Albert Cousins greeted students and their families outside all three schools.
“It was wonderful to see our students back in school today, filling classrooms with energy and excitement,” said Cousins. “We know there were a few bumps with transportation, and we’re working hard to smooth those out in the days ahead. What stood out most was the enthusiasm of our students, teachers, and staff as they started the year with optimism and a shared sense of purpose.”
“We’re looking forward to a great year together.”