Brandishing backpacks full of new notebooks, crayons and otherclassroom essentials, Brooklyn students headed back to school onThursday, September 8, for the first day of classes across thecity’s public school system.
After days of rain, the skies emitted only a drowsy drizzle,which stopped in time for the children – some eager, someapprehensive – to enter the hallowed halls of learning, meet theirnew teachers, and catch up with old friends.
The scene was replayed with variations across Bay Ridge,Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights and Sunset Park, as parentskissed their progeny goodbye before urging them across the school’sthreshold., sometimes stopping to take a few quick snapshotsfirst.
My favorite part about the first day is seeing people again,admitted Roseann Montemurro, the parent coordinator at P.S. 128 inBensonhurst. A lot of the kids live in the neighborhood so I seethem [during the summer, too]. When I’m getting coffee, they willyell your name. It’s a wonderful community.
As for the kids, they were just as eager. Oh, he’s reallyexcited. He’s been talking about it, said mom Melissa Fernandezabout her older son, James. His younger brother also wants to go toschool, Fernandez added, but not yet!
Heather J. Chin contributing reporting to thisarticle.
Gravesend’s P.S. 97 to get extension, 450 new seats to be added 
His shot: An exclusive interview with New Utrecht graduate, “Hamilton” star Anthony Ramos