Caledonia — Principal Shawn Veitch spent his morning on the first day of school visiting every classroom at Dutton Elementary to greet staff and students.
“It’s your ‘princi-pal,’ Mr. Veitch,” he announced upon entering one second-grade classroom. “I’m here to wish you a great first day.”
Students personalized their name tags with markers and colored pencils while Veitch assisted teacher Becca Page with the projector.
Second-grader Raelynn opened her desk to show off new school supplies, including neon highlighters, a folder with a puppy on it and a pencil case reminding her and her tablemates to “Be Kind.”
Second-grader Lillian used every color in her marker box on her name tag to match the rainbow on her new back-to-school shirt.
“My grandma got (this shirt) for me, and my younger brother has one that says ‘Roaring into kindergarten,’” she said.
At every room, Veitch asked students for the same favor he asked of Page’s: “Can you be observant for new friends today? Some of our friends have never been to Dutton before and may need your help to find the cafeteria, or where the playground equipment is during recess.”
On his first day at Dutton, first-grader Grant quickly found the cafeteria because it was, as he said, “literally” across the hall from his classroom.
“I bet once we figure out where everything is, we won’t need the help,” he said.
Veitch shared an affirmation with all students at Dutton: “Here is what I can promise you: We are going to love you and take care of you guys, and have a great year ahead.”
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