GLASTONBURY, Conn. (WFSB) - Students in grades 7 through 12 in Glastonbury returned to school on Wednesday for the first day of classes.
They are expected to receive new technology in the classroom and meet their new superintendent.
New devices replace tablets
Glastonbury school leaders spent the summer overhauling the devices students are expected to use in the classroom this year. The district handed out Chromebooks to every sixth, seventh and eighth grader.
The schools’ technology experts spent long hours teaching those students how to use Chromebooks, because up until this year they used tablets.
Assistant Superintendent Kate Lund was behind the district’s decision to switch from tablets to laptops. Lund said research shows touch screens can be addictive for children.
“I think it’s been a question on a lot of people’s minds for many years now, like how much technology is too much technology, right?” Lund said.
AJ Wiszniak, a sixth grader, said the change is an improvement.
“I think it’s a great improvement from the iPads, because, you know, like, you always, if you’re trying to type up something in a document or something, you have to lug around your keyboard,” Wiszniak said.
Over the next three years, students from third grade through high school will get Chromebooks.
New superintendent starts job
Wednesday also marked the first school day for the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Scott Hurwitz.
Hurwitz was hired as superintendent of Glastonbury Public Schools at the end of the last school year and has officially been on the job since July 1.
According to the CT Association of Boards of Education, Hurwitz’s connection to Glastonbury spans nearly two decades. He has served the district in numerous roles, including student intern, student teacher, long-term substitute, coach, club advisor, classroom teacher, assistant principal, acting principal and assistant superintendent.
Hurwitz succeeds Dr. Alan Bookman, who retired after 22 years as superintendent of Glastonbury Public Schools.
Seniors kick off first day with Senior Sunrise tailgate
Senior students kicked off the school year with a parking lot party.
They celebrated the first day of school with a Senior Sunrise tailgate.
Senior Tiago Banhom manned the grill. He said he arrived at Glastonbury High School at 2 a.m., ready to cook and see his classmates.
“I’m excited. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’ve got a car. I’ve got my friends. I’ve got food. This is finally the year,” Banhom said.
A group of friends from the Class of 2027 arrived a couple of hours later.
“I mean it’s not really a choice. Everyone does it so we all have to do it,” said senior Clarissa Medina, when asked if she wanted to get up early on the first day of school.
Despite the early start, seniors said they were ready for the year ahead.
“It’s really exciting. Nerve wracking. But I’m really excited to go out and see what I want to do in the future,” said senior Victoria Pardo Figueroa.
“I’m so excited but also super sad because we will be leaving all of our friends that we’ve known since we were born basically,” said senior Chloe Ferrey.
Students in grades K through 6 are expected to begin the school year on Thursday.