Rockville Centre students energized for return to school

The rain clouds overhead couldn’t dampen the excitement that filled the driveway in back of Watson Elementary. The strong, cool wind, which told of the end of summer, also brought energy to the young students waiting to enter school.

The children ran, walked and even skipped with their friends toward the entrance to school while sporting backpacks with pictures of Hello Kitty, Star Wars and a number of superheroes. PJ Kellachan, 6, was excited about beginning first grade, but his younger sister Annie, 4, could only look on enviously. “She’s ready, too,” said their mother, Lisa.

Vincent Tardino, 10, was prepared to start fifth grade, but first had to rush home to grab his forgotten sandwich.

Rebeka Perez, 6, said she was sad that summer was ending and worried about tough math classes, but was happy nonetheless to see her friends at school.

Triplets Nick, Alex and Dylan Chruma were already looking to the future, excited to finish fifth grade this year and move on to middle school.

The bell brought a mad rush into the school, to the teachers with construction paper signs and big smiles, proving that it wasn’t only the students who were ready for school to begin.

“I’m like a kid on the first day of school,” said Principal Joan Waldman. “I think that Watson has the feeling of a wonderful family, and the students know that they’ll be in a very safe place with a tremendous amount of learning.”

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