Island Park students return to school for 2026-27 school year

Posted Friday, September 18, 2026 7:58 am

Francis X. Hegarty third graders Daniel Petry, left, and Declan McFadden were ready to begin another year of learning.

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools

Francis X. Hegarty fourth grader Jeffrey Mejia and Assistant Principal Gina Fazio welcomed the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools

Susan Krukas’ eighth-grade Algebra 1 class at Lincoln Orens Middle School settled into their new routines.

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools

Elizabeth Peckham’s sixth-grade Family and Consumer Science students got a hands-on start to their class.

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools

Eighth graders Vivian Scott, left, and Aileen Espinal celebrated the start of school with excitement.

Courtesy Island Park Public Schools

By Abigail Grieco

The Island Park School District welcomed students back to the classroom on Sept. 2 as the 2026-27 school year officially got underway.

Students across the district arrived ready at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School to begin a new year, greeting friends, meeting new teachers and settling into their classrooms. The excitement of the first day was evident throughout the district as students and staff reunited and began the school year together.

For many students, the first day marked the start of a new chapter, bringing new classmates, teachers, routines and opportunities to learn. Staff members were also on hand to help students transition smoothly into the school year and create a welcoming environment.

The energy continued throughout the day as students became reacquainted with their schools and classrooms and began looking ahead to the year ahead.

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