The children were ready. Their parents were more than ready. On the first day of school since the district closed all schools in mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the plaza outside Old Greenwich School was brimming with enthusiastic families for the first day of school.
Kindergarteners and new students woke up to lawn signs in their yards Wednesday morning making them official dolphins.
“We planned all summer, and we are beyond excited to have all the kids back,” principal Ms Jen Bencivengo said as she readied to ring the school bell and begin to welcome children into the building. “It is going to be a fantastic year. We are Old Greenwich School – better together!”
Indeed signs of preparedness and safety were abundant. There were cheerful nautical, school and dolphin themed illustrations painted on the sidewalks, hallways and outside the multiple entrances/exits to remind students of social distancing as they come and go about their school day.
“We are cautiously optimistic,” said Todd DeWitt who had just delivered his second grader and kindergartener to school. “We’re happy and it’s nice to see them all together again.”
DeWitt said the school had taken proper precautions to safe. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the best,” he added.
“It’s been a long six months,” said Lindsey Lynes who had just dropped off her second grader.
Jen Imbrogno agreed. Imbrogno, who has twin boys in second grade, said, “We’re so happy they’re all back together with their friends.”
“Everyone is excited to come back. We’ve heard nothing but incredible comments from parents and kids are eager to be here,” she added. “It’s going to be a great year!”
