A Fresh Start for Students

There's plenty of new things in the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns this year. 

The closure of Tappan Hill, a new playground at W.L. Morse, new start times in the schools and increased walking distances have made for an entirely revamped experience for students and parents alike – but that didn't prevent a relatively fluid start to the school year on Monday.

"It seemed to go pretty smoothly," said District Superintendent Dr. Howard Smith. "Teachers were interacting, there was very little chaos and the buses seemed to have run reasonably on schedule."

Smith toured the schools Monday with school board president Mimi Godwin after classes had settled in. For the most part, the district's summer preparations for all of this year's classroom changes were successful, but Smith said there would have to be a few adjustments with the bus scheduling.

"Everyone has to get used to the new times and after school arrangements," Smith said. "It will be a couple of days to work and refine things." 

For those just beginning their time in school, it was a busy and exciting day.

At John Paulding, which is now hosting pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, there was a frenzied scene as parents dropped off their children, some who were experiencing their first time away from home. 

Most of the kids were really excited, jumping off the buses and jumping up and down while encountering their new surroundings. All were wearing their name tags and brand new backpacks. There were plenty of smiles and "ooh-ahhs" about the playground. 

"Look at the playground - it's a real bridge," said Mayra Mannan to her mother Mona. 

The closure of Tappan Hill was far from any child's mind on Monday as students flooded through the school entrance. 

"He was excited and ready and couldn't wait to come," said Pam Ludmer of her son Evan.

Evan nodded excitedly when asked if he was ready for school, "Mommy, look at all of those people!" he said as they approached the school's entrance.

Many students, and their parents, were walking to school on Monday too. This year the walking radius for most schools was increased to a half mile from three-tenths of a mile. 

Increased walking distances mean there will be more kids on the streets this year. Reflective warning signs have sprung up around the villages alerting motorists to increased pedestrian activity.

Smith said it was easy to get out of the habit of taking precautions around schools and buses during the summer months, and warned drivers to take those precautions now that school is in session. 

"When you see that red stop sign, motorists need to make sure they don't pass buses," Smith said. "We have a lot of students walking to our schools... It's time for everyone to retool and increase their awareness."

One of those walking their child to school today was Kerrie Hudson of Sleepy Hollow. Her son, Ranma, was starting sixth grade; her other child was going to Washington Irving. 

She said the new school times, and bus schedules, would takes some getting used to – her younger child has to catch a 6:45 a.m. bus to Washington Irving, while her older son walks to the middle school at 8:15 a.m.

Scheduling aside, she was mostly relieved that school is finally back in session. 

"I'm glad they're starting," she said. "I finally get them out of my hair for a little while."