PUTNAM VALLEY, N.Y. -- The school year has begun in Putnam Valley.
Putnam Valley Elementary School opened its doors on Wednesday, officially welcoming back students and introducing kindergarteners to their new school.
"I am excited about the fresh start," Superintendent Fran Wills said. "We are working hard to improve academics and offer additional programs."
Wells said the district has improved academics while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Principal Margaret Podesta said she was excited going into her second year as principal.
"This is just a wonderful community," she said. "My first year was outstanding."
Podesta said she was welcomed warmly and has made changes to keep the district current.
"I want to continue the positive culture we have while improving academic success," she said.
Teaching allows the opportunity to start fresh every year, Podesta said.
"You get butterflies on the first day," she said. "But you have new goals and new plans."
To get her teachers excited for the school year, Podesta brought in an ice cream truck during a superintendent's conference day.
At the elementary school, students got off the bus by grade, meeting their new teachers and their new classmates.
Sophia Dotterer, a fourth grader, said she was looking forward to her last year of elementary school.
"I feel bigger," Dotterer, who loves science, said. "I am excited. It's going to be a good year."
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