Smithtown Central School District welcomed back students and staff on Sept. 8 for the official start of 2020-2021 school year. As the buses pulled into the schools, staff and administrators were on hand to greet the students.

While the school day may look a bit different, students were eager to learn and settle into their new routines. Kindergarten students had the opportunity to explore their new buildings, as did the sixth and ninth grade students who moved up this year. Faculty members, staff and administrators guided the students through the schools and helped ease any first-day fears.

For many students, their first time back in the buildings since March was the perfect chance to reconnect with friends and classmates. By the end of the school day – whether virtually or in-person – students were poised for a successful year ahead.

To help get students acquainted with their new school environments, the district held sixth grade and freshman orientations at the end of August at Accompsett, Great Hollow and Nesaquake middle schools and High School East and West.

Touring in small groups, the incoming middle and high school students had the opportunity to explore their building thanks to student leaders who guided them through the respective campuses. Administrators were on hand to greet the students and help ease fears and answer questions for the students.

At the high school, freshman walked through the buildings, and identified their lockers while leadership students explained all about the school, including the opportunities offered during their high school career. Orientation was also an opportunity for students to receive their district-issued Chromebooks and school identification cards.

As we start the 2020-2021 school year, we have compiled this video to give parents and students an idea of some of the new policies and procedures in place.