Hathaway Gets Ready to Greet Former Elmhurst and Melville Students

It's that time of year again, a time when children regrettably trade in their beach coolers for back packs, their fishing poles for No. 2 pencils and their bikes for big yellow school buses. 

With excited anticipation and jitters, students of all ages head back into the classroom, where they will greet old classmates and make new friends.

Perhaps "new" is the operative word for students, staff and parents this year, as Hathaway Elementary School welcomes new students from the former Elmhurst Elementary School, which closed its doors at the end of last school year to help rectify a budget deficit. Hathaway will also welcome the addition of 28 students, who are former students of Melville Elementary School.

"We are looking at taking about 25 percent of the students from Elmhurst," said Principal Robert Ettinger, the former principal of Elmhurst Elementary School, who will take the helm as the new principal of Hathaway. "From my own viewpoint, my goal is to build a new school culture here to make sure that we integrate all of our students together.

"We want to be sensitive to everyone's needs, especially at the start of the school year, as everyone has certain expectations." 

One can understand the need for sensitivity, as the closing of Elmhurst was highly emotional for parents, students and teachers.

Everyone hopes that the transition is as smooth as possible when the doors open to students on Sept. 1. 

To assist in this process, Principal Ettinger plans on implementing many of the same strategies and programs used under the previous principal, especially in the beginning of the year.  

"Over the course of the year, we'll be integrating new items into programs for parents and staff.," said Ettinger, who says he wants to give everyone time to adjust before making too many changes. 

One important change, however, will be executed soon after the start of the school year and is intended to alleviate some of the issues associated with congestion during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. 

Principal Ettinger had hoped to have this operational before the start of the year, but the recent rainfall delayed progress. 

Parents will receive information regarding these changes within the first couple weeks of school and hopes the flow of traffic will move more efficiently. 

Principal Ettinger says he is really looking forward to the year at Hathaway and, above all, aims to improve teaching and learning for everyone. 

Parents can click here to access the Hathaway School Web site.  Parents and students can find information with respect to school calendars, newsletters, teacher pages, in addition to other  school-related links.