The School Year Officially Kicks Off for Children and Teens in Starrett City

By JaJuan Morris-Guity

On September 4, Summer officially ended with the commencement of the new school year. Parents and students have been preparing for weeks and now, class is officially in session.

Several schools across the neighborhood reopened their doors, including P.S. 346, Starrett City’s Early Learning Center, Spring Creek Community School, and East New York Family Academy, among others.

Many parents have expressed both excitement and relief as routines resumed.

“My son couldn’t even sleep, he was ready to put the uniform clothes on from last night. It’s been a whole experience for him,” local resident Patrick Taylor said.

While parents welcomed the return of the new school year, teachers and staff have also been preparing behind the scenes and now they are looking to fully immerse themselves in the new school year.

“I’m super excited since it’s my first year of teaching and I’m super excited to meet all my new friends and have fun today, newly minted Kindergarten teacher Ms. Samuel said. “It feels nerve racking since it’s my first year, but it’s also very exciting because Kindergarten is such a fun year, so I hope everyone has fun.”

Mayor Eric Adams and Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos have implemented a new cell phone and electronic device policy. According to NYC Public Schools homepage, “students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day.”

This school year also brings policy changes. Mayor Eric Adams and Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos have introduced a new policy restricting cell phone and electronic device use during the school day.

“Every school is going to come out with their own plan, but they have to have a place to store the phone,” Mayor Adams said during a brief appearance on Fox5 Good Day New York. “The goal is to ensure that we do not have this distraction. It has been a huge distraction.”

As the academic year unfolds, the community is energized, hopeful, and ready to embrace the challenges and joys of learning.