September 10, 2008

Katie Middlebrook greets students with smiles and big hugs. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Back to School!

School’s in session

There’s nothing like that first day of school when kids in their new clothes carrying their brightly colored backpacks filled with supplies start a year of reading, writing and arithmetic.

And at Village Elementary School, it’s not just the kids who are excited. Moms and dads look forward to the educating to start at the parent participation school where they commit to three hours a week to help at the school.

Principal Katie Middlebrook said the parent participation allows the school to create more hands on activities, smaller classrooms and field trips every four to six weeks. “It meets the needs of the children,” she added.

But today it’s all about the first day of school.

“It’s good to be back,” said second grader Chase Williams. “I’ll be learning new math and reading chapters in books.”

Fourth grader Nicholas Pasetta agrees saying he had a “good summer” but is looking forward to tomorrow when he’ll have a new video game.

And as the kids excitedly arrive at Village School, Principal Middlebrook is as well. As each child enters the grounds, she gives them a big hug and says, “I’m so happy to see you.”

—By Jeanne C. Carbone