Intermediate School students are greeted by welcoming balloons in school colors of red and white. (Photo courtesy of OCIS Facebook page)
By MADDY VITALE
Students and teachers weren’t going to let a little rain -- well, a lot, actually -- take the excitement out of the first day of school Tuesday.
All three schools in Ocean City had their own special way to celebrate the start of the new school year.
The Primary School had its bubble machine, balloons and music, in addition to chalked sidewalks with welcoming messages courtesy of Ocean City High School students.
While some of the chalk art washed away, some uplifting messages remained near the entrance about believing anything is possible.
Ocean City Board of Education member Cecilia Gallelli-Keyes walks her boyfriend's son, Dylan D'Alfonso, in for his first day as a third grader.
Families hurried up to the entrance a little before 8:30 a.m., where new Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman and Primary School Principal Cathy Smith, along with teachers and other faculty, greeted the students.
“The energy is still high even though it is still raining,” Friedman, who began in the district in July, noted while chatting with parents and students.
He continued, “It is especially exciting for me as a new superintendent to see the energy and excitement of the students and the teachers. It is an exciting day.”
From left, Principal Cathy Smith, Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman and first grade teacher Carrie Merritt give Primary School students a warm greeting.
Primary School Principal Cathy Smith, along with first grade teacher Carrie Merritt, called out to students they knew and warmly introduced themselves to new students.
“We are ready for great things this year,” Smith said as she hugged some of the students and called their names out as they rushed up to the school entrance after the summer vacation.
Board of Education member Cecilia Gallelli-Keyes walked her boyfriend’s son, Dylan D’Alfonso, of Ocean City, up to the front entrance.
Dylan, 8, said he was excited to start the third grade.
Scott and Allie Pepe, of Ocean City, bring their children, Aura and Orion, to school for their first day.
Scott and Allie Pepe, of Ocean City, dropped off their son, Orion, 8, who started his first day of second grade Tuesday, and daughter, Aura, 5, who began kindergarten.
“They are super excited,” Allie Pepe pointed out as she hugged Aura, while Orion was already making his way up to his principal.
“It’s the best school district,” Scott Pepe said. “They have the best teachers. It is amazing.”
While Aura was more reserved about her first day of school, Orion said he was looking forward to one thing more than anything else.
“I can’t wait to get my Chromebook!” he exclaimed.
A sign at the Ocean City High School welcomes students.
The Intermediate School is ready for another great year.
The Ocean City High School Band performs. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City High School Facebook page)
Despite the rain, there is still a lot of excitement about the new year.
