'Excited' Students, Staff Return To School In New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT — Students and staff arrived at public schools "excited and ready to get started" as the new school year officially began Tuesday morning in New Canaan.

Superintendent Bryan Luizzi told Patch the district experienced a fabulous first day overall, the second following their decision last summer to switch to later school start times in New Canaan.

"Everyone has been excited to get the new school year underway," Luizzi said. "We held our convocation on Thursday, and teachers have been engaged in professional learning Friday and Monday in preparation for opening day [Tuesday]."

Police Lt. Marc DeFelice said no issues regarding traffic, speeding or traffic safety concerns were reported Tuesday as students safely returned to school.

"No issues to report," DeFelice said. "The school year is off to a good start. New Canaan police has school resource officers in place at the local schools. These officers foster positive relationships between the police, students, faculty and parents."

Luizzi also said traffic and transportation seemed to run very smoothly Tuesday but noted the district plans to keep an eye on it to identify areas for improvement if needed.

"Of course we encourage everyone eligible to take the bus, which significantly reduces traffic during arrival and dismissal," Luizzi said.

As per tradition, Luizzi and his administrative team visited all five schools on their opening days and encountered "smiling students, teachers and staff," Luizzi said.

Board of Education Chair Katrina Parkhill said board members heard Tuesday was "a wonderful first day for students, teachers and staff" across the district's five schools.

"Our board wishes our students, their families and all NCPS teachers and staff a successful school year," Parkhill said.