Excitement was brewing for the first day of school at Meachem Elementary in Syracuse’s Valley section. Students were sporting their new backpacks as teachers and administrators were anxiously waiting to greet them. Principal James Dow spoke to the students on video screens during morning announcements
“Every school-year when we start it off is exciting because it’s a new fresh start and we anticipate success… working with every student to show success, growth.”
Meachem has new windows in classrooms and new furniture. The school also welcomed special guests such as Mayor Ben Walsh who struck-up a conversation with first grade student Aiden who pretended to be making his favorite food.
Student: “And I’m cooking pizzas.”
Mayor: “I love pizzas. What do you put on your pizza?”
Student: “I like to put cheese, and I might put pepperoni, mushrooms, olives.”
Mayor: “Olives? That’s a lot on a pizza.”
City Schools Superintendent Anthony Davis said it’s a team effort to keep students engaged and excited all school-year.
“I think it’s the personality of the people in front of them. I think it’s the excitement of the educators in front of them. So, I think as long as we keep our energy up, their energy stays up.”
A reminder to drivers to slow down in school zones and to never pass a stopped school bus. Offenders could receive stiff fines between $250 to $1,000, points on their license or even 30 days in jail.