Another year of pencils, papers and possibilities

Going from Sesame Street to Slocum Road, Evangeline Simoes, 11, said she was excited to continue her learning in the academic year at a new school after a fun-filled summer that included a trip to the adored television program.

Starting at Dartmouth Middle School for her first year, she said she was a “little nervous” as the names of her classes looked to be “a little hard.”

Her mom, Shannon Simoes, said, “I think she’s excited for a new school and I’m hoping for a great year.”

Kids waited outside the school in anticipation of their first day on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Principal Peter Rossi said the goal is to get them into the routine and to start building relationships, especially with the new sixth graders.

“It’s a little hectic day one, but by day five we’ll be a well-oiled machine,” Rossi said.

Levi Marques, 11, was also feeling nervous for the first day of school and starting the sixth grade. 

Gabriella, 8, Levi’s sister who accompanied him for the dropoff, said she was “happy” to begin the third grade, adding, “I like to get a lot of homework,” especially in math class.

Their mom Rebecca said the start of the new school year is “bittersweet,” with summer not being nearly long enough.

Assistant Principal Sarah Decas and Coach Christopher Tullson helped coordinate the kids as they arrived on campus. 

Decas joked, “We’re just like the kids. We don’t sleep at night with our first day of school jitters.”

Tullson likened it to “pre-game butterflies,” but added how he was excited to see all the kids again. 

Decas said, “Our motto is, first day, get them in, get them fed, get them home.”