From the anxious feelings of parents sending their children off to kindergarten to the excitement of students looking forward to another year full of memories with their friends, Tuesday was just the beginning of another year of everyone’s journey.

“Our students came into our buildings with a lot of positive energy and attitude first thing in the morning. It was great to see so many smiles and friendly interactions between all involved,” said Fredonia Central School District Superintendent Brad Zilliox, who greeted students off the bus Tuesday morning and remarked on, “a smooth opening at Fredonia CSD this year.”

Tuesday was a return to normalcy in districts across Chautauqua County now that many of the COVID protocols and restrictions are now lifted.

“It’s a really positive feeling going into the school year, having more of a ‘normal’ school year,” said Dunkirk City School District Superintendent Michael Mansfield. “We’re really focused on getting back to academics and those things we really like to spend time on.”

Photo courtesy of Dunkirk City School District Dunkirk students grades 7-12 are pictured entering the building on Tuesday morning.

Dunkirk school district now has “house principals” to oversee grades 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 at Dunkirk Senior High School, in addition to Principal Rebecca Farwell to provide more support for students. Also, grades three to six are now being housed under one roof at the Intermediate School. “Our Intermediate Building is something we are very excited about,” said Mansfield.

At Dunkirk School 7, new leadership is ready to kick off the year, as Principal Danielle Russell and Assistant Principal Angie Penhollow take over as the school’s administrators. Russell is also the school’s Director of Special Education. Penhollow welcomed parents of incoming kindergartners in the cafeteria along with the four kindergarten teachers: Mrs. Clark, Ms. Dolce, Mrs. Rodriguez, and Ms. Symans at the end of a brief Q&A presentation.

Also under new leadership this year is Silver Creek Elementary School. Heather Krystofiak takes over as the new elementary school principal and Shannon Matson is the new elementary assistant principal. “I am truly honored to accept the position and excited to begin,” Matson said at the July 7 board meeting when she was appointed.

The two new Silver Creek administrators met students for the first time at a “Popsicles at the Playground” event held on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Silver Creek High School also begins the year with a different principal from this time a year ago, as Kyle Yelich took over as High School Principal late last school year.

Fredonia Central School District is excited about many things for this upcoming year, including a new mathematics curriculum program for elementary students aligned with the district’s goal to give all students a similar educational experience.

“We are emphasizing both our mission and vision statements to start the school year. Our vision is about everyone across the district becoming our greatest selves. Our vision is about pushing ourselves to be innovative, dynamic, and global in our approach to learning,” said Zilliox. “We look forward to both of these concepts being at the heart of our work together over the next 10 months. It will be a fantastic year and today was a great start.”

While most weekday mornings will begin with a similar morning routine as students head back to school on a regular basis, there is just something special about the very first day. Now that Tuesday has come and gone, that’s one down, many more to go.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News
• Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

• Yes
• No