First Day of School Brings Excitement and New Beginnings for Norwood’s Class of 1999-September 10, 1987

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, inscribed with the words “Ms. Wong, launch pad 9″—marking the official start of the school journey for the young students who comprise the graduating class of 1999, the final high school graduating class of the 20th century.

Elementary School Milestones and Parent Reactions

“I always get excited about the new students, about the new year,” remarked Wong, preparing her classroom for its third year. “They like to meet the new teacher. I like to let them know that school’s an exciting place.” Her voice echoed across a room decorated with colorful alphabet posters, a large apple, and animal charts, furnished with miniature tables and chairs.

Outside in the schoolyard, returning students approached the new academic year with varied perspectives:

• Sixth-grader Scott Phaneuf admitted he wasn’t overly excited, noting, “I like the first day because you don’t get homework.”
• His brother Wayne, entering fourth grade, agreed, adding, “I like getting out of school the best. But I’m not nervous.”
• Their sister Michelle, entering third grade, felt completely at ease: “I’ve got the teacher my brother had last year. I’m not worried.”

Meanwhile, approximately a dozen mothers—some leading and others half-pulling their children by the hand—strode into the schoolyard with grim expressions, watching over new first-graders whose quivering lower lips reflected the milestone moment. Children across town rushed to bus stops, splashing through early-morning puddles in still-bright white sneakers.

Norwood High School Opens Its Doors for Sophomores

At Norwood High School, sophomores arrived for their first day in senior high in small groups.

“I’m a little nervous, but I think it’s going to be fun,” shared sophomore Debbie D’Encremont. “You look forward to the football games, seeing kids in our own school playing.” Fellow sophomore Debbie Haberlin expressed mixed feelings regarding academic expectations: “As you get older, they expect more from you. At this point, I just want to find my way around.”

Inside the high school, veteran faculty members clutched styrofoam cups of coffee while savoring the final moments of summer vacation. 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 agreed, naming September 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