These Hillside girls were all dressed up and ready to take on the first day.
It was all sunshine and smiles as Montclair students made their way back to school for the 2016-17 school year. Students recalled their summer adventures, met up with friends they hadn't seen and posed for pictures for their parents while principals and staff were on hand to welcome them back. Montclair Fire Department, Montclair Police Department and EMS members made the rounds to each school in a show of community support, wishing students well on their first day.
Hillside fathers and community members including the Montclair Police Department, Montclair Fire Department and EMS lined the pathway to cheer on and high five incoming students.
At Hillside, fathers were encouraged to come early and line the school entranceway to cheer on and encourage students as they headed into their classrooms. Hillside father of a fourth grader, Larry Glover said it was part of an initiative by Brother to Brother to create an exciting environment on the first day of school. "The effort is modeled after Back to School programs in Michigan, Georgia and New York," he said. "Whether you are a fireman, work in an office, a building tradesman, a police officer or a mechanic; we want to show our children that men from every work life recognize and support the importance of education." Together with community leaders and in collaboration with the Hillside PTA, the morning was a success. "This surpassed our expectations. Kudos to everyone who participated. It was a wonderful effort."
See the photos, below, and see more images of this exciting day.
Students are greeted at the front door of Glenfield Middle School by Principal Joseph Putrino and Assistant Principal Erika Pierce.
Charles H. Bullock second grader Jonah and his Kindergartener brother Oliver with their mom, said they are looking forward to "seeing friends" and "being in a giant class" respectively.
Arden, a Kindergartener at Bullock was a little shy on her first day but said she was ready to play with the new toys in her classroom.