Students returned to Norton School in Cheshire, marking the start of a new academic year with excitement over a soon-to-be new building.
CHESHIRE, Conn. — Students returned to class Thursday at Norton School, marking the start of a new academic year in Cheshire. Teachers and parents were excited about being back — and looking forward to the school’s future in a new building currently under construction.
“So excited to be back. Everybody's back in the groove, excited to be here — especially PE, what I do, we get in there and we have a lot of fun,” said Joseph Almeida, a physical education teacher at Norton School.
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade lined up outside the school, many with parents and friends accompanying them. Among them were Elga and Mathew Costello, who had just dropped off their son.
“Very excited, nervous. The ability to watch him go into the school, start a new year — it's something that feels great as parents,” Mathew Costello said.
“We love this school. He's so excited. He's so excited to see his friends, see what friends are in his class — so yeah, we're very excited for him,” Elga Costello said.
Teachers and staff greeted students at the door. Many of them are returning from years of experience. Fran Hauser, a fifth-grade teacher who has worked at Norton for 32 years, said the first day of school is always special.
“It's nice to get to know the kids when they come in the door. They're happy, they're excited. It presents an energy to the room and to see where they are going to grow throughout the year,” Hauser said.
The 2025–26 school year began slightly earlier than in previous years to accommodate construction timelines, which include the new Norton School building.
“We had to make this summer a little bit shorter so that we could make next summer a little bit longer in order to make the move into the new building,” said Assistant Principal Kathy Carlucci.
The new school is being built directly behind the current 70-year-old structure, which will be demolished to make way for new parking and field space.
“Right now, we're about 425 students. Our projections will be about 650,” Principal Jodie Roden said, noting that the upgraded facility will offer more space and modern amenities.
Almeida is particularly enthusiastic about the new gym.
“So excited for a new building. They have a projector that's interactive — so I project something against the wall, and let's say we're doing throwing and there's a target you can throw the ball. It'll pop the target on the wall, and it can track maybe a point or a score or something like that. So it's all interactive,” he said.
Parents said they appreciate how the school involved students in the building process.
“They did a really good job with getting the kids involved. They were able to sign their name last year on a beam, so they're very excited for it as well. It's change, and you know, certain things needed to be upgraded. It's such a blessing to have a new school here,” Elga Costello said.
The new building is expected to be ready for the 2026–27 school year. In the meantime, daily progress continues on-site, and the excitement among students, staff and parents is building right along with it.
Joe Monte is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at . Follow him on for more.
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