White Plains City School District students greeted warmly for start of the 2026-27 academic year

Students across the White Plains City School District streamed into schools on Wednesday morning with a mix of excitement, anticipation and a few butterflies to kick off the 2026-27 academic year.

Teachers and staff greeted the students with hugs and smiles, parents squeezed in a few final photographs and school leaders stood ready to welcome thousands of young Tigers back after the long summer break.

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At Highlands Middle School, Frank Chavez wrapped his daughter, eighth-grader Zoey Chavez, in a reassuring hug near the school’s front entrance shortly after 7:30 a.m. She was beginning her first day in a new school after moving from New Jersey.

“I’m new and I’m a bit nervous,” she said. “I hope it will be fun.”

Her father viewed the moment as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“It’s a new change, a new beginning,” Mr. Chavez said. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Nearby, eighth-grader Goelmi Deacsantos was eagerly anticipating one of the most cherished first-day traditions: reconnecting with old pals.
“I’m excited and I’m waiting for all my friends,” she said.

Classmate Samira Baculima nodded in agreement, saying: “I’m kind of nervous but also excited because you get to see your friends.”

Inside Highlands, new Principal Dr. Andrew Trust stood near the entrance welcoming students as they streamed into the building. Some seemed to know exactly where they were going while others paused to study classroom assignments posted on sheets along the walls.

Dr. Trust and other staff members quickly stepped in, answering questions and pointing students in the right direction. The moment was exactly what he had been waiting for.

“It’s been going great. The kids are excited. We’re really happy to have them back,” he said. “For me, it’s awesome. I love it. This is the best day of the school year. When kids come back and there’s a ton of energy, everybody’s happy to be here. I absolutely love it.”

A short distance away at Mamaroneck Avenue School, the first-day scene carried all the hallmarks of an elementary-school homecoming. Families gathered outside, teachers waited eagerly and students prepared for the new year.

Twins Avery and Ava Mede had each other for support as they embarked on their kindergarten journey at MAS.

“It was our first choice,” said their mother, Tiffany Birdsall, who admitted that the morning brought plenty of emotions.

“I am nervous, but also exhilarated,” she said. “Super happy to be here. It’s a big transition for all of us.”

Soon, the school’s playground became a colorful gathering place as students met their teachers. Educators stood holding bright orange signs, helping children locate their classes while music played over a loudspeaker and added a festive soundtrack to the morning.

Parents and guardians remained near the front doors, shouting words of encouragement and  capturing last-minute photographs as their children moved toward their classmates. Some students immediately fell into animated conversations with friends.

Principal Rob Janowitz later held up an American flag and led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance before offering enthusiastic words of support to the assembled children.

District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca also made the rounds through White Plains schools during the morning, accompanied by state Sen. Shelley Mayer. At MAS, Dr. Ricca joined in the first-day fun, snapping photos and high-fiving students.

At White Plains High School, the morning marked the beginning of an especially important transition for the district’s newest high school students.
Ninth-grader Bradley Blanco was already thinking beyond his first day and looking toward the opportunities ahead.

“I’m mostly excited about improving myself and trying to better myself for the future,” Bradley said, adding that biology sounded particularly interesting.
Bradley is also especially interested in art, although the course was not on his schedule for the first semester.

Principal Emerly Martinez said welcoming freshmen is one of the great pleasures of every academic year because staffers have the opportunity to watch students evolve throughout their high school journey.

“Every year is an exciting year,” Mr. Martinez said. “So for me, I’m excited to welcome our youngest Tigers coming in. The whole process of high school is amazing just because you see them come in so young and so timid to the way they grow into senior year. So it’s a beautiful process.”

The ninth-graders were given time to acclimate to their new surroundings before the rest of the student body arrived. The morning included an orientation designed to help them meet one another, familiarize themselves with the building and connect with their counselors.

A panel of students in the auditorium also helped welcome the incoming class and offered another connection to life at the high school.

Mr. Martinez said those efforts reflect the school’s commitment to making every student feel recognized and supported.

“We’re still committed to making sure that every student feels welcomed and heard,” he said, adding that the school is looking forward to the possibility of moving its art program into the new Innovation Wing, which is expected to become available in late spring.

Across town at George Washington Elementary School, the enthusiasm was just as evident.

Fifth-grader Anesthesha Jean-Louis approached the year with a long list of things to look forward to.

“I know this year I will have new teachers, new friends and new classmates,” she said. “My favorite thing about school is learning, writing and art.”

English is her favorite subject, and she also enjoys journaling. Some of her fondest memories from the previous school year centered on the relationships she developed, including receiving a candle and a letter from her friends and teacher. This year, she is eager to continue strengthening those connections.

For parents, the return to school also meant watching their children continue to grow.

Franco Flores, whose daughter Margarita Flores is entering third grade at George Washington, said he was thrilled to see her begin another year.

“I’m happy for her to get to know new kids and learn new things,” he said. “School has been good; she really likes it. She enjoys it and comes every day really happy and excited about it.”

Fifth-grade teacher Jessica Acevedo was looking forward to forming those same relationships from the other side of the classroom.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the kids, new opportunities and new relationships,” she said.

For her students, fifth grade carries an added sense of pride and responsibility.

“Fifth grade is such a big year,” Ms. Acevedo said. “They’re moving up and are now the biggest kids in the school. So, it’s exciting to see them grow and get ready for middle school.”

By the time the morning rush subsided, the Tigers were back, their families had headed home, classroom doors had closed and the familiar rhythms of school had begun once again.

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