It was a new start and an historic day in the Wantagh school District as the kicked off the 2013 school year and the first day of the district's new full day kindergarten program Tuesday.
"It was a very smooth opening," said Wantagh Superintendent Maureen Goldberg, who added that district administrators and school board members were on hand to welcome back students.
Goldberg also said the opening of full day kindergarten also came off without a hitch.
The district announced the program in June, a few weeks after voters approved the $74.2 million 2013-2014 budget. Wantagh is receiving more than $554,000 in aid.
While acknowledging that some parents "get teary eyed," Goldberg said that several parents stopped her to show their appreciation for the new program.
All of the district's elementary schools will house the new kindergarten program.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.