(Updated) Issues Minimal as Students Return to Class at Southington’s Middle Schools

If there were going to be issues with the start of the new school year, a door buzzer not working properly and a missing first bell were about as good as anyone could have hoped for.

The first day of school began with a smooth transition at DePaolo Middle School and Kennedy Middle School, where students entered with a smile and found there classes without issue. Traffic flowed through the newly redesigned parent drop-off lot and buses arrived on time with only a select few students missing their bus.


“Overall, I think things went as well or perhaps even better than we could have anticipated,” said Steve Madancy, principal at Kennedy. “The kids are excited to be here, the staff is energized and we are ready for a great school year.”

Across the town, Southington schools kicked off the year with a fresh start Thursday morning. The biggest concerns – how people would react to students returning to two schools under construction – proved to be of little problem as parents and students adjusted quickly, officials said.

In fact, at Kennedy, the biggest issue was that office staff had to start the day with an announcement rather than the usual tone, and within 30 minutes staff with Newfield Construction had already addressed the problem.

A buzzer outside the building also had minor issues, but that was of little concern as the problem occurred at the main entrance where a security guard was on duty.

DePaolo staff said the day took off "without a hitch." Traffic was heavy at points in the morning, but students were able to get to class on time and without issues and the school building was in working order.

Much of the morning success can be attributed to both the parent information sessions held at each school Tuesday night and three-hour walkthrough periods at each school on Wednesday.

Want to see the inside of the schools? Curious about the biggest questions? Take a look at both here.

School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. said earlier this week that the efforts were designed to ease minds and help assure the community that all safeguards are in place to provide a caring and secure school environment.

Madancy said with classes now underway, he’s looking forward to a great school year ahead.

“For the staff and myself, it’s been a long summer worrying about construction and school needs. That’s now behind us and we can refocus on what we are all truly passionate about, the kids,” he said.

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!