Bedford Village Elementary School welcomed just over 400 students when it opened its doors for the 2010-11 school year, including 61 kindergarteners who will graduate from Fox Lane High School in 2023.

Enrollment is down from last year, said Karen Eldon, BVES principal. "Some of this is due to the transitional K-1 program moving from Bedford Village to Pound Ridge Elementary School," she noted. As a result, there will be three sections each of Kindergarten through second grade. Fourth and Fifth grade will have four sections, and third grade will continue with three sections.

In addition to the new faces, the building saw some changes—it's now asbestos free. Rugs were removed from nine classrooms so that asbestos tiles could be replaced. "This represents the end of a long-term project to complete asbestos abatement in the building," said Eldon.

New staff included a new nurse, music teacher, and gym teacher as well as a new first grade teacher. Still vacant is a strings teaching position, vacated by Gregory Veryhyn, though candidates are currently being interviewed.

As buses pulled up to school, students, parents and teachers expressed enthusiasm for the new year.

"I am excited to see my teacher and see what the next ten months will be like," said David Lillian who will start fifth grade today.

His twin sister, Sarah added that she was looking forward to seeing friends who she hasn't seen all summer.

Younger students are also thrilled to be back at school. "I really want to go to first grade," said Daisy Brookman. "I am a little nervous, too, but I am not sure why."

Parents expressed similar mixed sentiments as they saw their children off for day one. "It's bittersweet," said Phyllis Knollmeyer whose daughter begins her last year of elementary school today.

Yoni Wattenmaker said she was thrilled to see her son start fifth grade. "Now he's a role model for the kindergarteners."

Eldon said there's nothing like the first day of school.

"No matter what my role is in education—student, teacher, or administrator—this time of year is a time when I get caught up in the excitement of a new beginning and a new opportunity for learning. The anticipation is energizing especially when I see the teachers and then the students and parents return to share the experience. It doesn't get much better than this."