Back to Class at Cluny

Students at Newport's Cluny School looked like happy campers this afternoon as they filed out of the building following their first day back.

"It was an exciting first day," Principal Merry Caswell told Patch Tuesday afternoon, as students gathered in the hallway preparing to leave. "They all came in this morning bright and sparkling in their uniforms."

The day started with hugs and tears during a special "Kleenex and Koffee" session. Parents of pre-K and kindergarten students spent about half an hour saying their goodbyes as their little ones set off for their big first day of school.

Development Secretary Kathleen Clair said she was pleasantly surprised to see just how excited the children were to be at school.

"The longer the parents stay, the harder it is to settle," she said. "The kids usually adapt so easily."

Cluny is off to a strong start for the school year, according to Caswell. Enrollment is up 10 percent, with a total of 196 students now attending. The school has also welcomed a new music teacher and a new 1st grade teacher to its faculty, and the athletic department is looking to add rugby to its fall lineup.

The school also has a new pre-K classroom in use, in which a few spots are still available. Those interested in enrolling their 4 year olds can call Clair at 847-6043.

The only real downside on Tuesday was the heat.

Caswell noted that several of the students returned wearing their falls uniforms—jumpers for the girls, and ties and long pants for the boys—only to soon realize that the day's temperatures definitely called for their summer outfits instead.

"We've told them they need to wear their shorts tomorrow," she said with a smile.

Students at Newport Public Schools and at St. Michaels Country Day School head back to class on Thursday. If you have first-day photos, be sure to send them our way via lindsay@patch.com.