East Rockaway students return for 2026-27 school year

Posted Friday, September 11, 2026 10:29 am

Students across the East Rockaway School District headed back to class Sept. 2, kicking off a new school year.

Photos courtesy East Rockaway School District

A student waves as she makes her way into school for her first day.

East Rockaway students returned to classrooms on Sept. 2 for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

East Rockaway schools welcomed students back Sept. 2, the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

Classrooms were filled once again as East Rockaway students returned for the start of a new school year.

The 2026-27 school year officially got underway Sept. 2 as students returned to East Rockaway classrooms.

Backpacks were packed and classrooms were ready as East Rockaway students arrived for their first day of school on Sept. 2.

Students arrived ready for a new year of learning as East Rockaway schools opened their doors Sept. 2.

By Kayla Dechter

East Rockaway students returned to classrooms Sept. 2, marking the start of the 2026-27 school year across the district.

East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, Rhame Avenue Elementary School and Centre Avenue Elementary School welcomed students back for their first day, with administrators and staff greeting them as they arrived.

Across the district, students took part in familiar first-day traditions. Elementary school students came prepared with new school supplies, while kindergartners marked the milestone with first-day-of-school signs.

At the high school, members of the class of 2027 began their final year in the district. Seniors celebrated the occasion by wearing class shirts and carrying backpacks featuring childhood characters and cartoons, adding a bit of nostalgia to their last first day of school.

Students reconnected with friends, met their teachers and settled into new classes and routines.

Teachers had spent the two days leading up to the opening of school taking part in professional development and preparing their classrooms.

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