A new school year begins in Washingtonville

Cloudy skies and a chill in the air greeted Washingtonville students Wednesday morning, as buses rolled in, backpacks came out and students made their way back through school doors for the first day of the 2026-27 school year.

Check out the first day of school photo gallery

For some students, Wednesday meant a new school and new faces. For others, it was a chance to tackle a favorite subject, reconnect with classmates or make the most of one final year in Washingtonville.

At Washingtonville Middle School, sixth-grader Alina Hernandez-Sanchez stepped off the bus for her first day with seventh-grader Scarlett Sabillon by her side. Scarlett had already given her friend some of the basics, including where to find the cafeteria and her classroom hallway.

“I’m looking forward to new friends, new classes and just seeing what’s going to happen,” Alina said.

Scarlett has a goal of her own for the year ahead, getting good grades.

At Round Hill Elementary School, first-day activities were already in full swing. Across classrooms, students colored birthday-themed cupcakes with their names, worked with Play-Doh and picked out stuffed animal “reading buddies” for quiet reading time. 

Kindergartners posed for first-day photos, while down the hall students danced through a brain break or gathered on the carpet for free play with new classmates.

Third-grader Mera Abouassi came into the new year with a little extra motivation.

“I want to get good grades so my mom could buy me a fish,” Mera said.

Her classmates had academics on their minds, too, with several saying they were especially looking forward to honing in on math in third grade.

At Little Britain Elementary School, fourth-graders Marissa Vicci and Shawn Mulligan were settling into Ciarra Diguilio’s classroom and thinking about what they want to learn this year.

Shawn is looking forward to science and more opportunities to experiment after doing some of his own research at home over the summer.

“I like a lot of science, like chemistry,” he said. “I like making experiments and that stuff.”

Marissa has her sights set on building her multiplication skills.

“I like math a lot, and I am looking forward to higher multiplying,” she said.

Ms. Diguilio said she came into the first day feeling “ready and refreshed” and eager to see how her students grow between now and June.

“I think every year I try to get better than the year before,” she said. “I’m a math and science teacher, so I want to really work on their math skills this year.”

Little Britain staff are approaching the year with a similar goal. Principal Dr. Christopher Barrie said the school’s new “Level Up” theme builds on the introduction of new programs last year, with teachers now focused on strengthening their instruction.

“We are going to be intentional in everything we do to provide the best instruction to our students,” Dr. Barrie said.

At Taft Elementary School, students got a special first-day welcome from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Larry Washington, who made his way through classrooms shaking hands, exchanging high-fives and introducing himself.

The introductions quickly became an impromptu question-and-answer session as students took the opportunity to learn a little more about their superintendent. One wanted to know where Dr. Washington had come from before arriving at Taft that morning.

“I was at home before this, but I’m happy to be here,” Dr. Washington joked. “I hope you all have a good school year.”

At Washingtonville High School, senior Madison Bruno was taking in a different kind of first day as she began her final year in Washingtonville.

With many milestones still ahead, Madison said she is most looking forward to spending time with friends, going to football games, celebrating Homecoming and enjoying the everyday moments of senior year.

“I’m looking forward to all of those last moments with my friends,” Madison said. “I just want to enjoy every day with everyone.”

Check out the first day of school photo gallery