First Day Celebration features community parade, singers and more 

Hundreds of parents and community residents spent at least part of Thursday celebrating the opening of the new school year at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School.

The parents, grandparents and other relatives took part in a community parade, feasted on breakfast and lunch and partook in entertainment and meetings hosted by the RCS school.

The highlight of the day was a 2 p.m. parade in the village. The parade, which community groups, as well as students and faculty took part in, marched around the school's neighborhood. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed ice cream provided by Stewart Shops.

Throughout the day, students took part in games and activities while parents interacted with faculty staff and students.

“We hope this will go a long way in forming a relationship not only between the parents and community and the school, but with our local businesses,” Principal Elisabeth Smith said of the festivities.