It`s back to business as usual, as our schools re-open ...

It`s Business As Usual, As Our Schools Re-Open  …   Last week the seven schools across town, from Pre-K to grade 12, opened their doors to start another school year.

 Some of you may not realize, but Dedham is home to the nation`s first free public schools!

   As we made our way around town to some of the local schools, we had the opportunity to share in a wide range of emotions at every level.   The wide-eyed look on the faces of the new first graders, as they entered such big, new schools, was a contrast to the giddy excitement of the now veteran fifth graders. At Oakdale Elementary, Principal Holli Armstrong tended to her 50 new students and their parents in the auditorium, while fellow teachers and returning students were introduced to new 5th grade teacher Maggie Martin. Ms. Martin joins the fabled Oakdale 5th grade team of Maryanne Beakes and Liz Tavalone.

   At the Dedham Middle School, sixth grade students from the town`s four elementary schools were now together as one, and divided in to two “teams.” Lockers, changing class rooms each period/block, lunch in a cafeteria and a group of well over 200 classmates was something new to each of them.

   Effortlessly, Principal Debra Gately and Vice Principal Margo Fraczek  led their teachers, aides and  students back in to begin a new school year. The incoming 6th graders were led in to the auditorium and assigned to homeroom teachers, where they became comfortable in their new surroundings. We saw the confident swagger of the now teenage boys and girls in grade 8. One teacher, smiling, was overheard saying “she liked walking in the halls with the 6th graders, because everyone else was taller than her!”

   The following morning we waited at the Curran Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) with Principal Jessica Hammond. The towns Kindergarten and Pre-K teachers and aides were ready waiting.  Parents, with their little ones in tow stood at the side door, and just as the school buses pulled up in front of the school, the skies opened up and the rain fell. There was a scramble to classrooms and parked cars for umbrellas.

 Within minutes, a line led by Assistant to the Superintendent, Michael LaFrancesca, had been formed from the waiting buses to the school. Once inside, those beginning their 12 year journey were greeted by Dr. Hammond and led off to their new classrooms.

 So the cycle continues on this 180 day adventure – the 2013-2014 school year.

Story and Photos by Joe Kilroy