Photo Gallery: Tolland's First Day of School

A total of 2,877 students returned to Tolland schools on Wednesday, ready for another great year!

Assistant Principal Michael Moynihan said that Tolland's youngest students were full of enthusiasm as they arrived for their first day.

"For the most part, the kids are really excited," he said. Teachers, the school psychologist and staff members were stationed throughout the school to guide the students to their classrooms.

The first day of school started smoothly for TIS, as well, according to Principal James Dineen. Parents tried a for the first time, while buses pulled up near Parker School to bring in the students. Dineen said that the drop off process was a bit slower than anticipated, due to the popularity of first day pictures! However, he said the new crosswalks worked well to help students safely get to school.

Principal Walter Willett credited the middle school's team structure with helping its newest students transition to the school. Teachers were leading sixth-graders on a tour of the school on Wednesday. The sixth-grade classes are also located in one section, creating a "school within a school" effect, which Willett said helps make a comfortable environment for the students.

In general, he said all of the middle school students returned to school eager to learn.

"They're enthusiastic and ready to learn, which is a tribute to the parents of this town," he said. 

Tolland High School students are already benefitting from a new program on their first day back. Prinicipal Dominique Fox said that the school has replaced its homeroom period with advisory groups, which met for 45-minutes on Wednesday.

Fox said that the program connects small groups of students with an advisor that will stay with the students for four years. She led her own group on the first day that will aim to provide academic support and coaching, create meaningful student/teacher relationships and promote pride in attending THS. 

Fox said that the groups will meet every two weeks.

Check out Tolland Patch's photos of the first day in the gallery above.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.