Tri-Town students packed up their backpacks on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 28, bidding summer farewell as they caught the bus for the dawn of a new school year.

In Rochester, Heidi Letendre was the first staff member of Rochester Memorial School outside to greet students as buses arrived.

Letendre is starting her first official year as the principal of Rochester Memorial School after serving as the interim principal last school year.

“It’s been quiet around here,” said Letendre. “It’s great that the kids are back.”

Letendre was joined by Police Chief Michael Assad and more faculty as students filed into the school.

Sidewalks outside of the school were recently decorated with a plethora of designs and messages created with chalk.

“That’s the one I drew!” said one student to another, excitedly.

A speaker set up outside played music to illuminate the cheerful vibe that surrounded the morning.

Over at Marion’s Sippican School, kindergarteners through sixth graders all made their way through the doors to embark on the journey of a new year.

"I'm excited but also kinda nervous," said 11-year-old Emily Gherard, who is going into sixth grade. "But I think it's going to be ok. I have a couple of friends here."

Emily and her eight-year-old sister Abby Gherard, who is starting fourth grade, recently moved to Marion from Connecticut.

Three-year-old Fiona Gurry "just had to match her sister" with a backpack roughly the size of herself, said mom Sarah Gurry.

Fiona said she "wants to play games" during her first day of preschool.

Sarah Gurry said Fiona is "so ready" for preschool.