Students At Darien's Royle Begin School Year With Parade Of Learners

DARIEN, Conn. — The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of eager students on the first day of school Thursday at Darien’s Royle Elementary School, which kicked off the 2016-17 school year with a traditional parade of learners.

Parents cheer and take photos to capture the first day of school at Darien's Royle School.
Photo Credit: *Jay Polansky*

Teachers Jill Cardamone and Jennifer Sutherland are ready for the new school year.
Photo Credit: *Jay Polansky*

Principal Dean Ketchum kicks off the parade of learners.
Photo Credit: *Jay Polansky*

Jay Polansky

09/02/2016 5:30 a.m.

“It’s a terrific turnout,” Dean Ketchum, the school’s principal, told Daily Voice. “And I’d like to see this with every school around the nation.”

Ketchum said the anticipation for the first day is palpable. “Every first day of school is so exciting, and elementary school is the best,” he said.

Before settling into their new classrooms, students paraded through the parking lot as their parents captured the moment with pictures and cheers for a special first day.

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