Moving Day!
It was a day that long awaited by the students and staff. Teachers (and students!) had been packing classrooms, offices, and storerooms. Boxes were everywhere...and whatever was needed to teach with for about 2 weeks had a better than even chance of being "up there." The Valhalla custodial and maintanence staffs had been working overtime and then some, cleaning, moving boxes and furniture, and helping everyone in a million and one ways. (THANK YOU!!!) The PTA committee (headed by Maria Parascandola) had been planning and preparing as well. Tuesday, November 27, 2001 was KENSICO DAY!
painting by Claire Kincade |
| The students had their first chance to see their new school (inside, that is...many of them had been up to look around the outside and peek in windows already!) on Monday. After clearing out desks, cubbies, and lockers, and loading all of that into their backpacks, a grade level at a time went up to move in to their new classrooms, and to get a tour of the building with Mr. Miele. |
| Tuesday morning began in the classrooms, but not for long! The kids donned the bright yellow ponchos with "Kensico School Est. 2001" on them--they had been gotten in case of inclement weather, but the day was bright and clear. An auditorium program--the last assembly at CAS--featured a history of the school tied to local, national, and world events by Mr. Miele, the retiring of the U.S. flag by members of the American Legion, the taking down of the CAS 75th anniversary banner (it now hangs in the Kensico School office), and appearances by Christopher Columbus (Dr. Kelly, in his sneakers!), Queen Isabella (4th grade teacher Mrs. Adams), Chief Kokensico (one of the architects of Kensico School), and a very tall Viking! The assembly concluded with the singing of several songs, adapted for the occasion by music teacher Mrs. Bartak, ending with each grade leaving during "Good Bye, Farewell" from the Sound of Music. |
| As each class left, they went right outside to begin the parade up Columbus Avenue to the new school. The Mt. Pleasant Police motorcycle partol was there, as was Officer Greenberg in the D.A.R.E. car, one of the District minibuses was all decked out in balloons and streamers, and many parents, grandparents, neighbors, and others were lined up along the route as we made our way up the road. (And many more joined us on at least part of the walk!) As we passed the Middle/High School, many of those students and teachers came out to see us on the last leg of our journey. As we turned the corner and started up the driveway of Kensico School, we could see the BOCES students that have been at Kensico since September out and ready for us to join them. |
| There was a balloon arch of maroon and white balloons over the front entranceway, a floral wreath by the flagpole, and more parents and other family members to greet us in the front circle. The American Legion raised the new U.S. flag on the flagpole, Mr. Miele (wearing his new Kensico School jacket given to him by Dr. Kelly) told us why the school was named as it was and also unveiled the new Kensico School flag, designed by former student Kaitlin Rozanski in an art contest at the end of the 2000-2001 school year, and sewn by community member Mrs. Moschetto. (It now hangs in the entrance foyer.) After a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Dr. Kelly, Mr. Miele, and Board President Mrs. Connors, everyone entered to the music of the VHS Jazz Band. On every student's desk was an apple (donated by parent Mr. Yoon) and a welcome card from the PTA. It was a wonderful, memorable, and very special day, as befits such a significant occasion! |
| Photos by Nancy Dillon & Bill Wright |
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