From left, school nurse Susan Schneider, Pre-K teacher Rebecca Nota-Gammardella, principal Stanley Steele, Father Reggie Norman greet students returning to class at Old Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy.
Our Lady of Fatima eighth grader Chloe Thompson heads to class on the first day of school carrying a beach blanket for classes that may be held outdoors.
Our Lady of Fatima student Emma Imholt has her temperature taken by school nurse Susan Schneider on the first day of school. Pre-K teacher Rebecca Nota-Gammardella, in background, helps students as they arrive.
WILTON — Children in blue and white uniforms, many wearing shorts and knee socks, spilled out of cars Monday morning as Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy opened its doors to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. They were returning to school for the first time since mid-March to begin the new year.
“The student drop-off this morning went without a hitch and the kids were so excited to come to school,” said Susan Miller, a parent who helps out at school.
While some things were different — masks and temperature checks before students went in — some were not.
There were “a few parents with teary eyes — as would be expected on the first day of school,” Miller said.
Waiting just outside the school doors to greet students were teachers, school nurse Susan Schneiderprincipal Stanley Steele, and Father Reggie Norman, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Owing to its small class sizes that are capped at 14, Our Lady of Fatima is planning in-person classes for all students every day. Classes will take place indoors and outside.
A hybrid model is not planned, Steele said when discussing the opening last month. If needed, the school has a template for remote learning.
