A new year begins

WILKES-BARRE — Yes, Greta Norakus cried at first a bit. And Collin Kugel answered every question with silent nods, even when asked if he talks a lot at home.

But the little cans of Play-Doh started popping open well before class started, evoking a few smiles, and their old kindergarten aide stopped by to gleefully note “look, windows!”

Ellen Alsaigh (the window-marveling aide), hugged many of the students in Kaitlin Chmieleski’s first grade class at St. Nicholas/St. Mary School, welcoming them back and pointing out the advantage over their kindergarten classroom last year, held in a windowless basement.

If Greta wasn’t quite yet smiling — “She’s very sensitive,” mom Bridget noted — the tears had at least stopped, and like many of the other children, she started squishing the little cylinder of Play-Doh plopped from the plastic container.

David Newton held up his freshly formed “treasure chest” molded from the Play-Doh, prompting desk-neighbor Collin to start chatting with the animated voice mom insisted was the norm rather than exception.

“I made a skateboard!” he beamed.

“I made feet!” Newton replied.

“He likes feet!” Collin explained.

Well, that could be it, but honestly, what good is a skateboard without feet?

Sister Josephine (Wagner, though it’s interesting the religious sisters are always known by first names while the lay teachers are always known by their last) stepped in for a short time to chat with the children and offer encouragement. But truth be told she could use a little herself.

Turns out Sister Josephine was also about to start her first day of school, at King’s College. She has decided to build on her Associate’s degree and get a bachelor’s in education. While she is one of the Sisters of Christian Charity housed at a neighboring convent, she has spent recent years working at Little Flower Manor nursing home.

So, does the good sister intend to become a teacher and join the staff at St. Nicholas, having one more “first day of school” after today?

“I hope so,” she smiled, head bowed a bit in humility, hands joining as if in prayer.

Well, if it’s a matter of divine help, one has to assume she has an inside track on this goal.

Greta Norakus hugs teacher Kaitlin Chmielewski with tears in her eyes on the first day of school in first grade at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s school Monday morning. Greta’s mom admitted her daughter was sensitive, but before class started she was adjusting nicely.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_TTL082719BacktoSchool2.jpgGreta Norakus hugs teacher Kaitlin Chmielewski with tears in her eyes on the first day of school in first grade at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s school Monday morning. Greta’s mom admitted her daughter was sensitive, but before class started she was adjusting nicely. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Kindergarten aide Ellen Alsaigh visits her former students in the first grade classroom at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s school, hugging now-first grade student Samantha Bell before the first day of classes began Monday.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_TTL082719BacktoSchool3.jpgKindergarten aide Ellen Alsaigh visits her former students in the first grade classroom at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s school, hugging now-first grade student Samantha Bell before the first day of classes began Monday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Sara Broody gives her daughter Harper a kiss before leaving her on the first day of school in Kaitlin Chmielewski’s first grade classroom at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s School Monday morning in Wilkes-Barre.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/web1_TTL082719BacktoSchool1.jpgSara Broody gives her daughter Harper a kiss before leaving her on the first day of school in Kaitlin Chmielewski’s first grade classroom at St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s School Monday morning in Wilkes-Barre. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader