Seeing families walk their youngsters up to Wiscasset Elementary School Tuesday in the morning sun, third year WES fifth grade teacher Justin Stygles said it was reminding him how important families are to students’ learning and to the school. “It’s a special day,” he said.

Asked how he felt on opening day Tuesday, Stygles said, “At this point, you can just enjoy the moment” and know there all the other school days still to come. He and other staff greeted students arriving with their families and on buses.

Superintendent of Schools and 2019-20 WES Principal Terry Wood was excited after a busy week of planning, including a barbecue at school set for Sept. 4 and a staffing shuffle after one teacher found other work and another requested that slot.

Wood said the changes left a fifth grade class in need of a teacher while she seeks to hire someone. Math coach Charles Leitzell and gifted and talented teacher Rachel Sugarman will teach the class, Wood and school staff said. Sugarman said she was happy to step in. “No way did I want them to start the year with a substitute.” 

Inside, at the office door, longtime WES Administrative Assistant Cindy Collamore was beaming as students continued filing into the school. “I feel amazing, to see all the kids coming back and the new little ones.”