By Beth David, Editor

Leroy L. Wood School principal Amy Hartley-Matteson addresses students on the first day of school in Fairhaven on Tuesday, 8/29. Photo by Beth David.
Fairhaven Public Schools started up again this week, with staggered start dates. Grades one through 12 started on Tuesday, kindergarten and preschool were scheduled to start on Thursday, 8/31.

Patrick Sweeney hugs his daughter Aubrey, as she enters the fourth grade at Wood School in Fairhaven. Photo by Beth David.
At the Leroy Wood School on Tuesday, a mix of emotions filled the air at the entrance as first graders through fifth graders, with adults in tow, waited for the doors to open.
Some students had their summer project posters all ready for the first day. Anderson, going into first grade, did his project on honey bees, and how they make honey.
The instruction was to wonder about something and then explain it.
Anderson said his favorite part was learning that bees “regurgitate” the honey.
Sophia, going into the second grade, did her project on why rocks are hard.
She said he was excited to go back to school because she liked the things they did in class.
Jayden was looking pretty calm for a student who was starting his first day in a new school.

Muriel Carle gives her daughter Vera a hug as she heads off to her first day of fifth grade, making it her last year at Wood School. Photo by Beth David.
Going into the third grade, he said he only knew one person, but he was not worried at all.
Parent Valentina Dacunha, however, was not so calm. She fought back tears as she watched her youngest through the glass inside the auditorium. She has one in high school, one in middle school and one in third grade. Emma looked fine, mom…not so much.
“I feel I need therapy,” said Dr. Dacunha. “Oh my God, my kids are getting old. I’m getting old.”
Inside the auditorium, the room got quiet as principal Amy Hartley-Matteson put up two fingers, signifying quiet.
“It feels like we haven’t even left,” she told the students, adding that the only thing that was different, was where they were all sitting, each class moved over a row to the fifth graders, the “leaders in training.”
She told the students that they had a new janitor, that Mr. Cunha had moved on to a new role in charge of all custodial services in the public schools.
“We are sadcited,” said Ms. Hartley-Matteson, and reminded the students that “sadcited” was a made-up word created by a Wood School student.

L-R: Brenda Ferreira with her sister-in-law Andrea Barney taking a video of their children Braden Ferreira and Christopher Barney. The first cousins were on their way into the Wood School on the first day of the school year. Photo by Beth David.
The word explains that they are sad to see him go, but excited for his new opportunity. In a followup email, Ms. Hartley-Matteson credited former Wood School student Katie Sobieraj with created the word.
Ms. Hartley-Matteson told students to give Mr. Cunha a high five when he comes around on his supervisory rounds, and she introduced them to Mr. Lewis.
“You’re gonna love him,” she said.
Ms. Hartley-Matteson welcomed students into their new grade level, telling them, “This is going to be a good year,” because they behaved so well in the assembly.
She noted that it was the first assembly, and, “We’re going to do this 180 times.”
“Every day is important,” said Ms. Hartley-Matteson to her 500+ charges.

Alexander Comeau entertains his classmates as he holds the bucket for fourth grade during the first assembly of the school year at Wood School in Fairhaven on Tuesday, 8/29. Photos by Beth David.

Alexander Comeau entertains his classmates. Photos by Beth David.

Alexander Comeau entertains his classmates. Photos by Beth David.

Alexander Comeau entertains his classmates. Photos by Beth David.
Click here to download the entire 8/31/17 issue: 08-31-17 FirstDaySchool
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