Fox Chapel Area School District students return to the classroom

Fox Chapel Area School District policeman Scott Bailey stood at the entrance of Kerr Elementary School holding an Oscar the Grouch — a character from “Sesame Street” — coffee mug as he welcomed students into the building for the first day of school.

Bailey greeted the students, walking to a car to greet them in the drop-off lane as he did for Lydia Rudzki, who was entering kindergarten.

“That is the perfect job for officer Bailey,” said kindergartener Lydia Rudzki’s father, District Judge Matt Rudzki. “He is a kid himself. He has the perfect temperament. He has such a great rapport with the kids.”

As youngsters filed in after summer break, Bailey, teachers, staff and administrators welcomed them and ensured they found their lockers, classrooms, and knew what they wanted for lunch, as well as which mode of transportation they would take home.

Second grade teacher Bailey Katonka had her students color a picture for their first day.

“I love meeting all my new students and I love that in second grade, they still love coming to school,” Katonka said.

Across the hall, second grade teacher Jamie McKenzie, who is in her 30th year as an educator, spoke to the students about what they wanted for lunch — nachos were the popular choice. She also went over their transportation to get home — a car ride or a bus.

Katelyn Toth, Kerr Elementary School principal, said via email that she loves the energy that comes with the first day of school.

“There’s a sense of excitement as students reconnect with friends and staff members, and a shared anticipation for all the opportunities the new year will bring,” she said. “Most of all, it’s wonderful to welcome our students back and see their enthusiasm as we begin the new school year together.”

Toth said the best way to welcome students back is by creating an environment where they feel comfortable, valued and truly welcomed.

“Our teachers work hard to prepare their classrooms, making them inviting and organized, while also planning meaningful activities during the first few days to build a strong sense of community,” Toth said. “These efforts help set a positive tone that supports students throughout the rest of the year.”

To begin the school year, third grade teacher Heath Asbury had students share something about themselves with the student next to them. The student was to choose one thing they think is super cool about the other student.

“The first day gets the year started,” Asbury said. “It also relieves the tension of the unknown.”

It was a fun day for third grader Frannie Amougou, a student in Asbury’s class. She said she knows a lot of her classmates.

“I am looking forward to doing math and music,” she said. “I like to play the violin.”

Dive into Learning

At O’Hara Elementary School, this year’s theme is Dive into Learning. Each year, teachers and administrators gather suggestions and talk with the students and parents to decide on a theme.

The theme is depicted throughout the school. One bulletin board had the words Dive into Kindergarten. In the computer science lab, kindergartners worked on iPads with teacher Kayla Walnoha.

A group of kindergarteners assembled in the library, where librarian Tracey Planz welcomed them. This is her fourth year in this position and 29th with the district. She said she loves the first day of school and texts her family a photo of herself on the first day every year.

“For this kindergarten class, this is their first school library experience,” Planz said. “I love to read books to kids. That never gets old.”

The best way to welcome students back for a new school year is with a big, authentic smile and to let them know that we missed them, Fox Chapel Area School District superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac said via email.

“I love the excitement of the students, the teamwork of the staff, and the caring moments that I am able to see as the school community settles into a new school year that is filled with opportunity,” Reljac said.

A new mural

In the commons area at O’Hara Elementary School, there is a new mural that has the words Respect, Responsibility and Integrity.

Students who helped paint the mural are Phoebe Franklin, Daphne Franklin, Claire Cooney, Declan McKay, Meadow Coffman, Aiden McKay, Esme Hirshberg, Ivanka Barisic, Elize Schmaus, Vera Hart, Eleanor Evans, Maria Kuecenic, Nadia Kaushik, Irena Kaushik, Nica DeLong, Brooke Chuvala, Robbie Hoffman, Xavi Kerr, Nica DeLong, Brooke Chuvala, Declan McKay, Aiden McKay and Robbie Hoffmann.