Bellmore Students Return to Middle, High Schools

It was so long summer for thousands of Merrick students Tuesday morning as the youngsters headed back to the classroom to kick off a new school year. 

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School district welcomed back students Tuesday, but the children will get to ease into those new textbooks and homework assignments. Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday for observance of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah.

"We have had a very smooth opening to the school year; the students and staff are excited to begin what promises to be wonderfully productive year at Kennedy," said Lorraine Poppe, Kennedy principal. "Although our classes began today, many of our students and staff have been back for a while, beginning sports season and preparing activities for the year. The ninth graders had an orientation program last week, and we know they will assimilate quickly into the high school culture and become an integral part of the Cougar Nation."

"We had a most successful start to the school year," Mepham Principal Michael Harrington said in an e-mail to parents/guardians. "I was very pleased with the activity in the classrooms and the tone of the building. I look forward to another successful and productive school year."

Check back later Tuesday and Wednesday for more coverage. Send us your photos at jaime@patch.com