Tolland Students Head Back to School

Despite a , Tolland schools got off to a great start today.

Teachers at Tolland Middle School very much appreciated the extra days to prepare since staff members were still unpacking after a summer asbestos-clearing project, according to principal Walter Willett.

“The teachers' willingness to come in before the contractual start date really helped,” Willett said, crediting the staff with the school’s readiness. “They did a phenomenal job.”

Willett said that the middle school was closed for most of the summer for the asbestos project, but was re-opened in phases so teachers could prepare for the returning students.

Students at Tolland Intermediate School spent the morning touring the school and discussing proper behavior for the students. Posted signs listed goals for the school’s students like using a quiet voice in the hallway or helping others in need.

These suggestions tie into the school’s HAWK motto, which breaks down into: Have respect, Act responsibly, We are a community and Keep ourselves safe.

And at Birch Grove Primary School, librarian Debbie Larose said that she was excited to kick off another school year with the district’s youngest students. She said that she's prepared to calm a few nerves.

“I tried to pick books that the children can identify with, books about being jittery on the first day of school. Everyone’s a little nervous,” she said. “But we’re glad to see them again.”