Back to School at TBE

Although exciting, the first day of school can also be overwhelming and scary. Emma, who began kindergarten at Tommie Barfield Elementary School on Wednesday, started to cry after being dropped off. As Emma’s mom left the classroom, the photographer, herself a mom, successfully distracted Emma by calling her name and asking her to smile for the camera. For more photos of the first day of school, turn to page A/24. Photo by Jodi Pree

For some, summer break ended too soon. For others, it was time to get back into the swing of school…time to shift gears from vacations, sleeping in, and summer camps to early mornings, fully stocked school supplies, uniforms, new shoes, and homework. Either way, the Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) staff was prepared to make the transition as smooth as possible. The school opened its doors to a flurry of excitement and chaos on Tuesday, August 15, for an Open House which gave parents and students the opportunity to explore the school and ready themselves for what the new school year would bring.

Tommie Barfield Open House

The excitement resumed at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, as the streets and sidewalks surrounding TBE were beginning to show the signs that school was indeed back in session.

Students being welcomed to Tommie Barfield. Photos by Jodi Pree

“We are ready for a wonderful year. I’m really excited about having a smaller classroom this year,” remarked kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Jane Ledoux.

By 8:10, the flurry of activity ceased. With the final bell ringing, halls emptied and students were safely in their classrooms. A group of kindergarten parents and new parents gathered in the Media Center for Tea and Tissues.

“It helps keep your mind off things when you volunteer,” explained PTO mom, Janice Cox, as she set out refreshments for the parents’ gathering.

The joy of finding out your classroom assignment.

“I don’t see any tears being shed,” joked Principal Maya as she entered the Media Center. Instead, the parents were enjoying the camaraderie and breathing a collective sigh of relief as they suddenly found themselves with a little free time… that is, until dismissal.