On a bright and sunny morning, the first day of school began with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chisolm and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Programs, and Personnel Dr. Njoku greeting students at ECP Main. Outside the gates, a pre-K student posed with her family, proudly holding a handmade “First Day of Pre-K” sign. Her radiant smile set the tone for the day as Dr. Chisolm knelt to greet her at eye level, sharing a smile with the family and welcoming her to school. When asked what she was most excited about, the young Falcon replied without hesitation: “I want to meet my teacher and play outside on the playground.”
That sense of connection had already begun over the summer, when Dr. Chisolm hosted several “listening series” events with community members across the district. These intimate and interactive sessions provided opportunities for collaboration and dialogue, laying a strong foundation for the year ahead. “Building authentic relationships with the people who make Greenburgh Central School District so special is vital to shaping the work we do together,” she said.
In keeping with that commitment, during the first week of school, Dr. Chisolm began each day with a welcome tour. She greeted students as they stepped off their buses, helped with backpacks, and guided them to their classrooms or morning lines. She shared in the excitement of the first day with families, teachers, and staff, visited classrooms to engage with students in their activities, and even watched the sunrise with the seniors to mark the start of their final year.
Students at Lee F. Jackson, Highview, and Richard J. Bailey schools eagerly shared what excited them most about returning to school. For third-grader Mischa, it was reconnecting with her teachers: “I was excited to see Mr. Costa again.” Archer, a student at LFJ, added, “One of my favorite things about the first day of school was coloring.” And at RJB, a fourth-grader looked forward to science: “I want to learn how to make a volcano erupt.”
To conclude the week, PTA leadership hosted community-centered meet-and-greet events at Highview and LFJ elementary schools. These gatherings, a cherished tradition, celebrated the first week of school while reinforcing the strong connection between families, schools, and the wider Greenburgh community. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of a new school year," said Dr. Chisolm. “Besides graduation, the first days of school are always my favorite time of year. Seeing our students excited and ready to learn, and feeling their energy in the hallways, reminds us all of our ‘why’ in this work.” Want to enjoy more photos! Check out our social media accounts.