Photos: Rockville Centre students’ head back to the classroom for the 2023 - 2024 school year

School is officially back in session. It was a bright, sunny morning as students in the Rockville Centre School District returned to the classroom on Tuesday, Sept. 5, for the start of the new school year.

For some, the morning presented an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and friends to talk about all the fun they had during their summer vacation. And for others, it marked the beginning of new academic journey, as they prepared to enter a new school environment for the first time.

Teachers and administrators helped greet the students, who were all eager to return to school, and helped guide them to their new classrooms for the start of the 2023 – 2024 school year.

Matthew Gaven, superintendent of the Rockville Centre school district said that the first day was an incredible start to the new school year.

“The enthusiasm and warmth from our faculty and staff as they greeted everyone were truly heartwarming,” Gaven said. “Our buildings and classrooms look great thanks to the hard work of our custodial and maintenance staff and the support of the capital projects in last year’s budget.”

Gaven said that also he hopes to continue to build on the positive momentum from the success of the 2022 – 2023 school year.

“Our schools have a proud legacy of academic excellence, which is a testament to the support of our community and the dedication and innovative spirit of our educators and staff,” he said. “We also recognize the vital role of extracurricular programs in enhancing the lives of our students. When combined, Rockville Centre's rigorous academic program, new opportunities for student choice and engagement, diverse extracurricular and co-curricular offerings, and robust community partnerships create well-rounded students who are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the future. On behalf of the Board and myself, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents, caregivers, and the entire community for their trust and support.”