Mixed Emotions As District Students Begin School Year

MacAfee Parents Gather For ‘Kiss and Cry’ Session

Allan Twisdale, right, with his son, Xavier, as Xavier prepared for his first day of Kindergarten at MacAfee Road School.

There wasn’t  a lot of crying on the first day of school at MacAfee Road School, but that doesn’t mean emotions weren’t running high.

“I’m holding back the tears,” Brittany McGuire said, after she left her son, Xavier, for his first day of Kindergarten.

Sept. 4 was the first day of the 2014-2015 school year for township students enrolled in grades Kindergarten to 12. Pre-Kindergarten students start on Sept. 8.

As they did in the other eight schools in the district, MacAfee students arrived with fresh supplies, a little excitement, and a little trepidation.

After saying their goodbyes for the day, the parents were taken to the school’s multi-purpose rom for coffee and doughnuts – a “Kiss and Cry” session – and addresses by the school administration and Parent-Teacher Organization representatives.

MacAfee school principal Bill Grippo told the parents that they would have to help in their children’s education.

“Nothing happens without your help, unless you are engaged in your child’s education,” he said. “We open the door, but you unlock the power at home.”

Speaking to parents of Kindergarteners, Grippo said, “I have five children who went through Franklin Township schools. I was once where you are, so I know how you feel.”

The emotions felt by the children were also felt by their parents.

“I’m a little excited,” said Allan Twisdale, Xavier’s father. “It’s the next stage in life.”

Twisdale said Xavier was happy about starting school.

His mother … well …

“I’m trying not to cry,” McGuire said. “He’s still my baby. He’s always going to be my baby, I don’t care if he’s 27.”

MacAfee Road School First Day 2014

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