Mae Cole and Jaleh Kemp were all smiles before stepping into Chancellor Livingston Elementary School for their first day of school Sept. 4. All three district schools opened their doors for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
“I’m pretty excited because I get to see my friends and meet my new teacher, Mrs. (Kim) Sneed,” said Cole, a fourth grader.
Kemp was looking forward to learning more math skills.
“I’m really excited to be learning math because my favorite subject is math,” said Kemp, a third grader. “I’m excited to start a new year of school and to see all my friends.”
There is excitement in the district this year as the high school launched its Rotating, Drop Period Schedule, which gives students the opportunity to take eight classes, six times over an eight-day period, and features a community lunch.
The district collaborated with the Rhinebeck Community Nursery School to start a pre-K program, welcoming 18 pre-K students to the elementary school. The elementary school also added a new outdoor garden at a community event in August, planting such items as small pumpkins, strawberries, lettuce and dills.
“One of my goals this year is utilizing that garden as a central place,” said Brett King, elementary principal. “We’re going to have several events to bring the community in.”
King and Michael Kirk, assistant principal, welcomed students and their families outside the elementary school.
“It’s one of the best days of the year,” said King. “I look forward to that bell ringing and everyone coming in. That first day, it is tough to get back, you have to get into a different mode, but it is a great mode and a real positive feeling.
“I’m looking forward to a great year.”
Albert Cousins, district superintendent, started his day greeting students and their families at the high school and middle school before doing the same at the elementary school.
“There was positive energy everywhere this morning as students arrived. We are feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about the year ahead,” he said.
“I was thrilled to welcome back our students, and especially to visit the first day, ever, of the Rhinebeck pre-k program.”
At Bulkeley Middle School, all 211 enrolled students attended the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
“The opening of school is my favorite time of year as student smiles and laughter breathe life back into our classrooms and hallways,” said John Kemnitzer, middle school principal. “The excitement of seeing old friends and beginning new adventures is contagious.”