Classes began Monday in Gloucester and Mathews, and opening day went off without a hitch, according to the new superintendents in the two counties.

In Gloucester

“It went great,” said Gloucester County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Anthony Vladu.

Monday morning, Vladu rode the bus to pick up the first child on the longest route. He also rode the bus at the end of the day to drop off the last student. He said the kindergarteners were excited that first morning on the bus ride to school. He also observed their exhaustion by the end of the day.

Vladu had a busy Monday, visiting all eight schools and meeting with School Resource Officers in each building. He was able to interact with students and staff throughout the day. There were no transportation issues for the first day. “That is no small task,” he said.

Vladu said the Gloucester High School traffic issue will improve as construction is ongoing and he is grateful for parents and students navigating the changes well.

Enrollment is expected to be close to 5,000 students by the end of the 10-day count.

In Mathews

“I think all in all it went pretty well,” Dr. David S. Daniel said, assessing Monday’s opening in Mathews. “The kids were smiling … coming in, the teachers were happy. It was a really good opening.

“We rolled right into our normal schedule,” he said. Buses ran on time and the division had good responses to the meals served in its cafeterias following the appointment of a new food services coordinator who took over for Nelda Gibbs, who retired, Daniel said.

The students are adjusting to the division’s new cell phone policy, a policy that prohibits the possession and use of phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day and on school buses to and from school. “That went pretty well,” he said.

Enrollment appears to be down a little bit, Daniel said, but he expects those numbers to pick up over the next week or so.

“I was impressed with the leadership from the schools, getting schedules in place and getting organized,” Daniel said. “We’re going to have a good school year. Thankfully I’m surrounded by some good leaders.”

Students and teachers in Gloucester and Mathews will have a short week, as they will be off Friday and Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

CHARLIE KOENIG / GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Mathews Elementary School student Chloe McDonald holds teacher Judy Emanuel’s hand as the two walk from the bus loop into the building on Monday. In photo at right, MES bus coordinator/paraprofessional Laura Horsley checks her list as she welcomes students Paisley Hudgins, Caden Yeager, Liam Hensley and Paisley Hensley, from front to back, as they get off the bus.