by Danielle Frawley

It always seems to creep up on all of us: that first day of school. This year it was Wednesday, Sept. 1 in Shelburne and around Vermont. Students in Shelburne were well-prepared with their backpacks, lunch boxes, and plenty of hugs and kisses from mom and dad. In neighborhoods around Town children rose early to catch the bus and head off to school.

Seven hundred and sixty one students walked through the Shelburne Community School (SCS) doors on this first day of school. This number represents everyone from the youngest of SCS students (Triple E) to eighth graders. In 2009, 766 students were enrolled at SCS. Co-Principal Allegra Miller explained that earlier in the year it had been predicted that the number of enrolled students would be 20 less than last year. Over the spring and summer of this year, 38 students transferred out, but 69 transferred in. The number of students who transferred into SCS has doubled from last year.

New SCS Co-Principal Allan Miller is excited that the children are coming back to school. Miller began his tenure at SCS at the beginning of the summer.

"I’m just excited to see this school in action," said Allan. "I’ve had the opportunity to meet lots of parents and lots of teachers, but I have not met that many kids, and that is what it’s all about."

Allegra echoed Allan’s words of excitement: "I’m excited to see the energy. With 761 children in the building it is pretty amazing."

Over at Lake Champlain Waldorf School on Turtle Lane, 265 students are starting their first day of school. This number is the same as last year.

As always, Waldorf first grade students received their rose from the seniors at the high school. All students, teachers, and parents in Shelburne are looking forward to a new school year.