Wantagh Welcomes Students Back On First Day Of School

Wantagh School District was one of the many schools on Long Island that started its academic year Wednesday.

By Tom Gambardella, Patch Staff

Sep 2, 2026 4:55 PM EDT

Wantagh administrators stood outside the high school to welcome students back to class Wednesday. (Courtesy of the Wantagh School District)

WANTAGH, NY — Wednesday was an uncharacteristically cool day in Wantagh, with temperatures just passing the 70-degree mark in a signal that fall could be right around the corner. For Wantagh High School students, there was more than one reminder that Summer was coming to a close: They had to return to school Wednesday.

The doors to Wantagh High School opened just after 7 a.m., with students of all entering the building to a welcome from board of education trustees, district administrators and staff from the high school.

Also welcoming students were motivational messages, written in chalk along the walkway to the school, featuring affirmations like "Shine Bright" and "You Got This!"

For the senior class who were celebrating their final first day of school in Wantagh, there was already a group activity underway: Members of the class of 2027 walked into school with backpacks that featured their favorite cartoon and TV characters from childhood. District officials did not say whether the senior class intended to keep their Hello Kitty, One Direction or Peppa Pig backpacks through the entire school year, or if they were a first day-only item.

As the high schoolers settled in, the Wantagh School District prepared for the younger members of its student body to join them: District officials said almost 3,000 students would be coming to Wantagh across its five buildings this year, with learning school kicking off Wednesday at the Wantagh Middle School and Forest Lake, Mandalay and Wantagh Elementary Schools.

Wantagh sixth-grader Peyton Ellis started off her school year with a high five from Middle School Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi. (Courtesy of the Wantagh School District)

Wednesday was also the first day of school for Wantagh Elementary School Principal Briana James, who joined the district for this school year. (Courtesy of the Wantagh School District)

Fifth-grade teacher Samantha Barrett was also ready to welcome her students back to school Wednesday. (Courtesy of the Wantagh School District)

For Wantagh seniors, the school year started with a look back into the past, as the students brought backpacks to school decorated with their favorite cartoon and TV characters from their childhoods. (Courtesy of the Wantagh School District)