Both Barclay Brook and Brookside greeted increased enrollments Wednesday as schools went back into session for the new year.
By: Al Wicklund
MONROE Barclay Brook School used its brand-new addition for the first time Wednesday, and both Barclay Brook and Brookside greeted increased enrollments Wednesday when students arrived for the first day of the 2001-2002 school year.
The two neighboring schools on Buckelew Avenue now serve more than 900 students
Dennis Ventrello, the only principal Brookside School has had in its 11-year history, reported more than 500 students for the start of his school’s 12th year.
"When we closed in June our enrollment was at 440," Mr. Ventrello said.
Brookside School Principal Carol Schwalje said 399 children were enrolled at her school Wednesday, an increase of 79 over last year’s opening day. The number was expected to go over the 400 mark as late registrants report in the next several days.
The Brookside School opened for business 10 years ago this fall. However, sewer complications meant the building had to open several weeks later than expected.
Apart from the aggregate numbers, the day was a story of many individuals, children facing the unknown of a new school or excitedly being reunited with classmates and friends.
One new pupil was 6-year-old Nicholas Freitas, whose family is moving into Monroe Knolls.
His dad, Paul Freitas, while unloading Nick and his younger brother, Matthew, who will be 3 next month, from the family car, said his older son has been looking forward to going to Barclay Brook.
"Nick was in kindergarten in Old Bridge. He’s been excited about this day and being a first-grader in a new school," Mr. Freitas said.
Nick wasn’t saying much, but the new school, a fleet of buses, a host of family cars coming and going and a crowd of other children and adults were understandable distractions.
The gathering of parents and their children, ranging from kindergarten through grade 2, in the lobby of the Barclay Brook School was organized, but charged with energy as teachers, school administrators and office staff greeted children and directed them to their classrooms.
One mother, having left her little student, walked past Debbie Recca, the principal’s secretary, with her preschool child in her arms and jokingly asked Ms. Recca if she wanted a child to baby-sit.
Ms. Recca said, "I have 400 of my own, thank you."
Ms. Schwalje said the first day at Barclay Brook was a plus on at least two counts, the day went well and the school’s new addition with a gymnasium, cafeteria, four kindergarten classrooms and an art and music room was functioning.
The children had lunch in the new cafeteria. We’re calling it the "Kids’ Cafe," the principal said.
At Brookside School, which houses grades 3 through 6, Lynn Yannick, Mr. Ventrello’s secretary, spent a good part of the morning saying, "Hi, can I help you."
"I believe our school pretty much represents what’s going on in other buildings in the school district," said Mr. Ventrello.
He said operating a school is a team effort and what Ms. Yannick and the office staff were doing to help parents and students is typical of what they do through the school year.
"The first day of school is always a hectic day, but the school’s staff was ready," he said.
Mr. Ventrello said an important part of having a school that works is the work of the custodial staff.
"Our building is meticulously clean. Rooms were painted and floors waxed. It’s the proper environment for learning. The work of the custodians, their attitudes and the attitudes of the office staff and of the teachers and support staff are key to making the students feel comfortable."