At 8:10 a.m. in Room 9 of the Balch Elementary School, first-grade teacher Carol Wong taped a bright green and orange fluorescent drawing of a rocket to the blackboard bearing the words, “Ms. Wong, launch pad 9″—marking the first formal school memories for the incoming Class of 1999, the final class slated to graduate in the 20th century.
First-Day Perspectives Across the Grades
“I always get excited about the new students, about the new year,” remarked Wong, who was preparing her classroom for the third consecutive year with walls lined with alphabet posters, an apple display, and miniature tables and chairs. “They like to meet the new teacher. I like to let them know that school’s an exciting place.”
Outside in the schoolyard, students approached the new academic year with a mix of seasoned routine and youthful apprehension:
- The Phaneuf Siblings: Sixth-grader Scott Phaneuf took the opening day in stride, noting, “I like the first day because you don’t get homework.” His brother, fourth-grader Wayne, added, “I like getting out of school the best. But I’m not nervous.” Their sister, third-grader Michelle, was equally calm: “I’ve got the teacher my brother had last year. I’m not worried.” Meanwhile, a dozen mothers guided hesitant first-graders with quivering lower lips into the yard.
- Norwood High School Sophomores: Entering the senior high building for the first time, sophomore Debbie D’Encremont admitted, “I’m a little nervous, but I think it’s going to be fun. You look forward to the football games, seeing kids in our own school playing.” Classmate Debbie Haberlin focused on the academic reality: “As you get older, they expect more from you. At this point, I just want to find my way around.”
Faculty Reflections
Veteran educators at Norwood High balanced morning coffee with the perennial opening-day butterflies. Patricia Ingraham, an English teacher with nearly 20 years of experience, confessed, “I didn’t sleep well last night; I never do the night before the first day of school. It’s exciting; there are all new faces, a new start.” Fellow English teacher Walter Peterson shared that September remains his favorite month because “attendance is better, students are enthusiastic.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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