Oak Park Elementary, NPSD Schools Welcome Back Students

For Sara Slawinski, 9, the summer was one chock full of birthday Laser Tag, summer horse camp, a One Direction concert, and a surprise visit from grandpop from Kansas.
But now, Sara is ready to learn some math in her first day of fourth grade at Oak Park Elementary.
"I have mixed feelings," she said, hugging her parents Bob and Sue on the playground of the Hatfield Township school Tuesday morning. "I'm happy to be here and come back and see my friends. But I love my parents. I'll miss them."
Sara was one of thousands of North Penn students who walked into a new school year Tuesday.
In fact, there are three children in the Lansdale Slawinski clan heading back to school Tuesday, one in each of the three hierarchies.
"I'm very excited," said Bob Slawinski. "I had two other daughters go through this school. We had a very good summer, better than most."
Sue Slawinski joked that it is very confusing reading the school calendar, with a student in eleventh grade, a second in eighth and Sara in fourth.
"I'll miss them," she said, "but I'm glad to have a little more freedom."
Freedom for Mary Rourke means more time outside with her camera.
"It's nice to go out shooting pictures, or fishing, and I work third shift so I can go to sleep," she said.
Her son was so excited for his first day that they were at the bus stop 15 minutes early.
"He loves to learn. We're big nerds," she said. "He's very excited to come back and see his friends and meet new friends."
Tuesday wasn't as easy on Rourke.
"I was crying my eyes out," she said. "He's my only baby. I'm just a big sap anyway."
Oak Park Elementary each year holds a special back to school event on its playground, where parents and students can meet their teachers and friends.
"It's positive and exciting," said Principal Doug Poviliatis of the first day back to school. "We have the excellent tradition of our first day celebration. It sets the tone for the year, and it helps create a better home and school environment from day one."
North Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Curtis Dietrich said it was great to see the enthusiasm from parents, students and teachers alike.
"I remember being a kid and missing my friends during the summer," he said, "and I was happy to see them on the first day. The students here greet each other so heartily."
Dietrich said the first day brings potential for a great school year.
"It's all about community and seeing people sharing in the opening day joy," he said.
Both the Slawinskis and Rourke had great things to say about Oak Park.
"It's a great school. The communication with teachers is the best. They address concerns, they're open, and they are right there to answer questions," Rourke said.
"It's the best kept secret in the district," said Sue Slawinski. "Every single one of the teachers are responsive to children's and parents' needs. And there's a great home and school association."
Bob Slawinski said Oak Park is a very open school.
"The whole spiel of keeping families involved is not just talk," he said.