- July 26, 2024
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Ainsleigh Herbert, 5, Katie Herbert, and Anniston Herbert, 8
Photo by Ian SwabyDominic Guisado, 8, and Julio Guisado talk before school begins.
Photo by Ian SwabyEmanuela Walker, 12, and Warren Walker, 7
Photo by Ian SwabyAlfredo Ordonez, Paloma Ordonez, 5, Valentina Ordonez, 1, and Cynthia Ordonez
Photo by Ian Swaby8-year-old Andreas Kobajilo, Charles Pimentel, Vivian Masters, and Oliver Milligan
Photo by Ian SwabyBrandon Ure and Desmond Ure, 5, arrive at school by bike.
Photo by Ian SwabyRashad Sullivan helps Roman Sullivan, 6, with his backpack as they head towards school.
Photo by Ian SwabyLeah Quattro, 5, heads to school with Matthew Quattro.
Photo by Ian SwabyMahogany McClendon, 5, and Neshia McClendon
Photo by Ian SwabyBecky Polizzi and Nick Polizzi, 7,
Photo by Ian SwabyOsselyn Hart, 9, followed by her sister Etta Hart, 4, walk towards the building.
Photo by Ian SwabyCharlie Skrzypkowski, 7, heads to second grade with his father Ryan Skrzypkowski, and brother Jack Skrzypkowski, 2.
Photo by Ian SwabyRiver Morrow, 5, Reann Morrow, and Ridge Morrow, 7
Photo by Ian SwabyAndraya Ticola, Lucas Ticola, 5, and Peter Ticola
Photo by Ian SwabyKristin Musolino and Sofia Musolino, 6
Photo by Ian SwabyAlberto Escobar and Luca Escobar head toward school.
Photo by Ian SwabySeven-year-old Mahogany McClendon couldn’t wait to return to Southside Elementary School, when Sarasota County Schools welcomed students back on Aug. 10.
“She’s been talking about Ms. Hazelton all week. She’s so excited,” said her mother Neshia McClendon, referring to second-grade teacher Kirsten Hazelton.
Principal Jamie Hannon was likewise eager to welcome kids new and returning to the school.
“We're so excited to be back and have the kids in the building,” she said. “We work all summer preparing for them, and we're ready to get started.”
Parents said they were looking forward to their kids receiving a top-notch educational experience during the school year.
“This is such an amazing school,” said Ryan Skrzypkowski, whose children 5-year-old Harper Skrzypkowski and 7-year-old Charlie Skrzypkowski both attend Southside Elementary. “The teachers are so invested in the students. It’s almost like they embrace them as their own, and they do everything they can for them to progress.”
“The kids have never come home and had a bad day, and the kids have never not been excited to go to school,” said mother Theresa Skrzypkowski. "It’s never been a chore to get them out the door.”
Although there was some sadness surrounding the saying of goodbyes, many were eager to get started on the new year.
“It’s good to get back into a routine,” said Kristin Musolino, who had just dropped off her daughter, Sofia Musolino, 6. “It feels like I’ll miss her all day, but it’s good that she’s going to have a great education and great experiences.”