Main Street was packed on Tuesday as kids made their way back to school
By: Casha Caponegro
Main Street was packed with people Tuesday morning, as parents escorted their children to the first day of school.
Parents took pictures and told their children to have a good day as they chatted with neighbors. Younger siblings not old enough to attend school looked on enviously as their older brothers and sisters got ready to enter the Cranbury School.
Equipped with their backpacks, lunchboxes, new haircuts and clothes, children embraced friends they had not seen over the summer and gossiped energetically as they embarked on a new school year.
"I’m excited to see my friends," said Evan Lea, 6, who will enter the first grade.
With a bright yellow backpack on his back, Evan walked along North Main Street with his mother, Cindy Funka Lea, who pushed his younger sister, Imma, 4, in a stroller. His other sisters, Morgan, 10, and Maddy, 8, led the group as they walked to school.
Evan, who said his favorite part about school is playing outside, was anxious to his first-grade teacher.
"He loved his kindergarten teacher last year, so he’s kind of nervous," said Ms. Lea.
"I’m not that nervous," said Evan, shyly correcting her.
Crickets still chirped as the group progressed through the center of town, despite the fact that the sun had already risen.
As they crossed busy intersections, the children politely thanked the crossing guards who halted traffic to allow them a safe journey. The guards in return smiled at the youngsters and wished them luck on their first day.
Maddy, who will enter the third grade, said her family visited Canada during the summer, where she had her first shot at rock climbing.
Her sister Morgan said the family also went camping during the summer.
"But it rained," said Morgan, who walked ahead of the group with her friends, Sammi Sicherman, 11, and Elinor Silverman, 10. The three girls will enter the fifth grade.
"We’re all in different classes this year," said Morgan. "Last year and in kindergarten we were in the same class."
Elinor said she spent most of her summer relaxing with her friends at the pool.
"I’m excited though to see friends again that weren’t around this summer," said Elinor.
Although the girls said they looked forward to returning to school, there were certain aspects of education they did not want to face.
"Homework," said Sammi, scrunching up her face to show her dislike of the chore.
"Getting up early," said Morgan, giggling with her friends as they approached the school.
Chief School Administrator Carol Malouf said the Cranbury School’s first day went smoothly at the school board meeting Tuesday night.
"The children came in with smiles and they left with smiles," said Ms. Malouf.

