Welcome back. Welcome back.
Johnston parents, school administrators and students made sure that message was loud and clear Tuesday as they greeted teachers returning for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of classes was Wednesday, Aug. 28, but teachers were back on Tuesday for a day of professional development sessions.
Thanks to the efforts of the school community, it was also a day of treats, surprises and lots of smiles.
With music from the movie “Grease” blaring from outdoor speakers, teachers were greeted with parents and students waving signs, wellness activities, a raffle (for ice cream sundae kits), snacks and more. Although the teachers were from all grades, they were at Johnston Senior High School for the professional development day and high school Principal Matthew Velino said that everything was planned to make sure they know how important they are to students and the community.
“We have about 400 teachers,” he said, “and want each of them to know that they are appreciated. They are special to us.”
The same sentiment was echoed by members of the district’s Parent Teacher Student Organization, who were outside the high school at 7:30 a.m. with their signs.
They said that a lot of planning goes into the event, and it was evident in all the details that went into carrying out this year’s “Grease” theme.
There were a lot of leather jackets, retro sunglasses, ponytails for the women and carefully slicked back hair for some of the braver men.
Assistant School Superintendent Edda Carmadello and some other administrators even sported silky “Pink Ladies” jackets — the signature wardrobe essential for the girls’ group in the movie.
“This is just great,” said math teacher Anna Herbert, smiling at the festival welcome. “It’s a wonderful way to come back to school.”
Editor’s Note: Barbara Polichetti is a Cranston resident, freelance writer and frequent contributor to the Cranston Herald and Johnston SunRise.
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