Despite Rain, First Day Of School Brings Smiles In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Despite rainy weather throughout the day, Shelton students were smiling and excited as they returned to school Tuesday, according to school officials.

Board of Education Chair Kathy Yolish said while the weather made for a gloomy-looking first day of classes, the mood inside school buildings was much more cheerful as "excitement and smiles of students and staff brightly filled the hallways."

She also noted some expected minor transportation issues did not prevent students from arriving at school on time.

"As with every first week of school there were a few glitches with some transportation issues," Yolish said in an email to Patch, "but students arrived at their designated location safely and in a timely manner."

Yolish said board members were looking forward to the new school year and hopeful it would provide a greater sense of normalcy for students after the past few school years were impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

"We are so grateful and continue to be hopeful for an academic year that provides a consistent, safe, and healthy environment," Yolish said, "as well as a true sense of normalcy that we've missed out on in the past two years."

Police Lt. Robert Kozlowsky said officers did not encounter any unexpected issues with speeding or traffic safety as students returned to school Tuesday.

On Sunday, the department posted a reminder to its Facebook page urging drivers to use extra caution and give themselves more time in the morning and afternoon to get to their destination due to school buses on the road.

"Stop your car when you see lights flashing on a school bus," police said on Facebook. "Red flashing lights indicate that the bus is stopped and students are getting on or off. Don't start driving until the red lights stop flashing. Be aware that a child may dash across the street."

Patch has reached out to Shelton Public Schools for more information.