Willis Elementary ushers in new school year

Parents celebrate with 'Boo Hoo or Yahoo' breakfast.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 11:20 a.m. August 10, 2017
  • East County
  • News
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Lakewood Ranch’s Megha Chauhan wore a smile on her face, but held a crumpled tissue in her hand as she chatted Aug. 10 in the cafeteria of Willis Elementary School.

Manatee County’s public schools were welcoming students for the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Her oldest child, Ada, 5, started kindergarten, and she also was about to take her youngest, 4-year-old Veer, for his first day of voluntary pre-kindergarten.

“I've already cried so much,” Chauhan said with a laugh. “It’s too much.”

Chauhan found comfort in the company of friend, Babita Sandhu, and other parents who attended a Willis Elementary School “Boo Hoo or Yahoo Breakfast,” after they had dropped off their children.

By 9 a.m. students were already busy interacting with their teachers, getting to know their classmates and practicing their handwriting, among other tasks.

Kim and Eric Hale usher their new kindergartener, Tessa, to the Boo Hoo breakfast before class.
Kim and Eric Hale usher their new kindergartener, Tessa, to the Boo Hoo breakfast before class.
Shantel Norman is sad her son, Ky-Mani Caines, 5, is starting kindergarten.
Shantel Norman is sad her son, Ky-Mani Caines, 5, is starting kindergarten.
Iris Boccarossa and Christine Shaklik chat over drinks during the Boo Hoo or Yahoo Breakfast. Boccarossa's youngest child started fifth grade. It is her 10th year at Willis as a parent.
Iris Boccarossa and Christine Shaklik chat over drinks during the Boo Hoo or Yahoo Breakfast. Boccarossa's youngest child started fifth grade. It is her 10th year at Willis as a parent.
Amaris Baumgard, with her son, Samuel, chats with Maggie Mooney-Portale after dropping their children off at their classrooms.
Amaris Baumgard, with her son, Samuel, chats with Maggie Mooney-Portale after dropping their children off at their classrooms.
Veer and Megha Chauhan enjoy breakfast with Babita and Mehak Sandhu.
Veer and Megha Chauhan enjoy breakfast with Babita and Mehak Sandhu.
Lauren Navas makes sure her daughter, Isabella Navas, 7, gets a first-day photo.
Lauren Navas makes sure her daughter, Isabella Navas, 7, gets a first-day photo.
Parent Teacher Organization Vice President Sky Galliano, President Bianca Lawrence, treasurer Tara Merino, Assistant Principal Billie-Jo Fintel and secretary Cathy Magda make sure to mingle with parents at the Boo Hoo breakfast.
Parent Teacher Organization Vice President Sky Galliano, President Bianca Lawrence, treasurer Tara Merino, Assistant Principal Billie-Jo Fintel and secretary Cathy Magda make sure to mingle with parents at the Boo Hoo breakfast.
Gianna Donato, in white, gets busy in her new first-grade class.
Gianna Donato, in white, gets busy in her new first-grade class.
Valentina Oviedeo-Fajardo is all smiles for her first day of first grade at Willis Elementary.
Valentina Oviedeo-Fajardo is all smiles for her first day of first grade at Willis Elementary.
Porter Osuch, a third-grader, colors in
Porter Osuch, a third-grader, colors in "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."

 

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