Seven Elementary Schools were busy with surprise gifts on the first day of School, Tuesday. Unexpected visitors dropped off backpacks with school supplies. 4,000 i-Zone students were ready to learn. The specialized schools offer an extended academic school day. The schedule is also designed to help out teachers with flexible school hours to provide extra help and the necessary planning time for professional staff development. New Principal of the Seymour Dual-Language Academy, Ms. Rria Cruz-Soto felt things were going very smoothly.
“Excited…feeling like we’re ready to have a wonderful year. I think the students are ready. We have so many community members that really support us, so for them they are so appreciative. We have sneakers, we have everything, so the kids are so appreciative.”
We stopped by a classroom learning the school-wide rules.
“One-two, eyes on you” said students in their first classroom of the year. And their teacher, Tia Florence responded, “we have four main rules in these schools. One is to be prepared; give your best effort; three is to be respectful and four is to be safe.”
Something new at the school this year is instruction in both English and Spanish. Several other Central New York School Districts Joined Syracuse Schools and opened their doors today for the new school year.