school
Students, teachers, administrators (and parents) embrace first day of school. — Mark Alan Lovewell

Fully loaded backpacks, freshly organized binders, new outfits and wide smiles could only mean one thing at the West Tisbury School on Tuesday: school is back in session. As the first yellow bus pulled up a little after 8 a.m., parents, teachers and staff were ready to greet eager students and welcome them to the new school year.

“Welcome back!” announced one teacher. “Happy school year!” said another.

“I’m excited, how could you not love the first day of school?” interim principal Donna Lowell-Bettencourt said, greeting her students. “They’re all shiny with their new backpacks, just raring to go.”

After the departure of principal Robert (Bob) Lane in May, Mrs. Lowell-Bettencourt moved up from interim assistant principal to her current position. “I am looking forward to so many things, but just kids making major growth. It’s all about them, that’s why we’re here,” she said. “Just watching kids achieve their dreams, move forward in what they do, and make connection with adults in their lives that can guide them.”

Stephanie Dreyer
School librarian Stephanie Dreyer as Esmeralda. — Mark Alan Lovewell

First day jitters? “It’s such a warm place you can’t be jittery here,” she said.

Also new to his position, and to the school, is interim assistant principal Sean Mulvey, who was standing by the bus stop, greeting parents and introducing himself to students. “For me being new I’m looking forward to meeting all the students and staff and getting to know everybody,” Mr. Mulvey said. “Today is like New Year’s [day]. Everyone’s had the summer to relax and get refreshed and is excited to get back in here. The first couple days will be transition, but then we’ll get right into learning right away.”

“We’re in the same class!” screamed two boys with excitement before entering the school doors. Parents looked on with hesitation and pride as they let go of their children’s hands, gripping their coffee in the other. Many took pictures. Some children hung back; others couldn’t wait to run inside.

bus
Off the bus and into the classroom. — Mark Alan Lovewell

Kindergarten parent John Hoff followed his daughter’s bus and arrived at the school to take a picture of her first day. “I’m a little anxious, but it’s amazing,” he said just after seeing her walk through the doors by herself. “I’m looking forward to her being easy and comfortable.”

Before students could get through the front doors they were met by librarian Stephanie Dreyer, dressed as Esmeralda, the fortune teller, foreseeing lots of reading in their futures. “I’m looking forward to lots of new books and independent reading,” she said, taking a break from handing out bookmarks. “I’m excited to be working with my teachers, bringing more research into classrooms and keeping up with technology.”

Inside, teachers organized final schedules and students rushed to claim their cubbies for the year. There was that comforting smell of new sneakers, chalk and crayons as lockers slammed. In the coming weeks the empty walls will be filled with art and announcements, the school garden will be back in the hands of student care, the chalkboards filled with daily lessons.