First Day of School at Windsor Farm

While there were some butterflies and jitters happening, most of the students, parents, and staff were happy to celebrate the first day of school at on Tuesday morning.

“I was so excited I woke up a 1 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep,” said a happy Tom Rubins, custodian at the school. “We are all ready to have the kids back.”

One of the most excited was new principal Jason Otte. He spent most of the arrival time out in front of the school, introducing himself to students and parents, and making sure everything was running smoothly.

“I feel good and am so excited to be here,” said Otte. “Enthusiasm is definitely in the air.”

Mom Ellie Miller took photos of her first grader Cole as he ran up the stairs, eager for his first day. “This was definitely much easier than last year,” said Miller. “He has been talking about coming back all summer.” 

Other younger students weren’t as ready, but older siblings walked their brothers and sisters to where they belonged. Paul Shenton, a first grader, had to console his two-year-old sister as mom dropped him off at school.

“Yeah, she doesn’t like to see me leave,” said Shenton as his little sister cried all the way to the parking lot. “She misses me,” he said with a shrug.

Another new student who seemed a little unsure of the new surroundings was greeted by Otte, who gave him a special tour of his office and told him how much he loved to fish.

Overall, the first arrival went smoothly.

“We only had one crying in first grade this morning,” said guidance counselor Cory Green. “I would say that is a very good day.”

Later on, Otte traveled to all classrooms, introducing himself and officially welcoming the students back to school. 

Otte said he was very appreciative of all of the parents and community support he and his staff have received over the last week.

“Mr. Lombardi from Shucker’s Restaurant and the PTO both provided a wonderful breakfast for the staff when they returned,” said Otte. “And Ronda Prokopchak from Walnut Hill Landscaping had a crew out here one morning beautifying the grounds. It’s amazing. The enthusiasm and passion for this school is contagious – it just spreads.”