By Davy James, Staff Writer
MONROE — High school seniors aren’t the only ones getting ready to say goodbye this year.
Second-graders at Barclay Brook Elementary School will finish their final year in the only school most of them have ever known, before beginning the third grade at neighboring Brookside Elementary School.
“We have some special activities planned for the second-graders throughout the year,” said Principal Carol Schwalje. “We want to make sure they’re comfortable this year and prepared for the higher expectations at Brookside as they get older.”
Second-graders Taylor Vigario and Julia Bondea said they were ready to start the year well before Wednesday’s first bell rang.
“I got new stuff like pencils, markers and clothes and I already had them in my book bag,” Julia said. “Seeing my friends again is the best part of school starting.”
Before beginning the school day, students must first tell teachers and friends about what they did over the summer.
“I’m excited to be back at school and I like taking a walk and seeing my friends,” said second-grader Gabriel Rodriguez. “This summer my family took a trip to Maine and we drove up to the top of a mountain that was as high as the clouds.”
Some students got ready for their last year at Barclay Brook by going shopping for new threads and school supplies, while getting ready to go back to their favorite subjects.
“I got new shoes, new clothes and I got a new hairdo to get ready for school starting,” said David Orpen. “I can’t wait for gym and recess to go climbing and jumping. My favorite subject, that would be math. I like putting the numbers together.”
Teachers said the first day of school was about setting the tone and getting the second-graders to appreciate their role in the school.
“We try to instill in them the idea that they’re role models for the other students and we want them to set a good example,” said second- grade teacher Kristin Miller. “When it’s time for them to leave at the end of the year, we want to encourage them to do good in third grade and to come back and visit us.”
Second-graders Dani Morganlander and Tara Zeni said they’re looking forward to starting at a new school next year, but they’ll enjoy the rest of their time at Barclay Brook.
“It’s going to be exciting to be at a new school and meet new people,” Tara said. “But I really like my teacher and I’m gonna miss it here.”

