...And, They're Off!

Despite the murky weather that brought showers off and on throughout the morning, Bed-Stuy students, parents and educators expressed a mix of excitement, nervousness and relief about the first day of school.

While parochial and some charter schools opened some days earlier this month, today was the first day back to school for New York City's 1.1 million public school students.

Bedford Academy Dean of Students Robert Phelps expressed excitement at the seeing students returning to school, as he greeted students outside the building.

I’m very excited about being here for the first day of school, getting back with the kids and getting them ready for their future endeavors and help get these guys on to college,” said Phelps.

“It feels good to be back, meet some new people and get some school work done,” Jasir Hector, a student at Bedford Academy.

“I hope that I can have a fun year and I hope to make more friends and that I learn a lot,” said Korine Charles as she walked up the steps at Bedford to go back to school with her sister Kristian.

“I always feel good about school being back because it’s her future that’s important,” said Tori Daniels, a parent waiting with her daughter outside P.S. 305 on 344 Monroe Street.

“She better be good, that’s good money right there,” quipped another parent after dropping off her son at the elementary school.

Although parents around town seemed relatively happy to see their kids off to school, not every student was quite as enthusiastic.

“I’m ok with it, but I’m a little mad because the summer went by too quick,” said Ezekial Williams, a student at Bedford Academy.

Kiana Ryan, a freshman making her way to Bedford had a case of nerves. “It’s my first time coming to high school so I’m just nervous.”

Today also marks the start of Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott’s first full year as head of the public school system.