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.
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.”
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, 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.
About an hour earlier in the morning, Intermediate School students began the start of their new school year. Philly pretzels were delivered to all the classrooms.
They were greeted with balloons and other festive decorations inside and outside of the school, as well as warm greetings by Principal Mike Mattina and staff.
The festivities began at the high school around 7:15 a.m. when Interim High School Principal Dr. Wendy O’Neal and other faculty greeted students. The “welcoming committee” also included the high school band, cheerleaders and Howie, the school mascot.
High School teachers were dressed in OC red and white gear, and there was even a welcome-back breakfast in the cafeteria, courtesy of cafeteria staff.
School Board President Dr. Patrick Kane attributed the success of the first day of school, in part, to the hard work of the many people in the Ocean City school system to prepare for Tuesday and the rest of the 2022-23 school year.
“The district did a fantastic job getting ready for the start of the school year.” he said. “The first day of school is such a special day, seeing the smiling kids and feeling the excitement of the staff and students is a wonderful thing.”
For more information about the Ocean City School District visit oceancityschools.org
