From left, Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr., and Lt. Zack Dupere are welcomed onto Rochester Bus 5 by driver Annie on the first day of school for kindergartners. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
ROCHESTER — The first day of kindergarten is a significant moment — and this year, some of Rochester’s newest students had a little extra company for the ride.
On Friday morning, Aug. 29, Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson joined Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. and Lt. Zack Dupere aboard Bus 5 for a special ride-along with incoming kindergarteners on their very first trip to school.
The bus, driven by longtime driver Annie, picked the trio up outside the Rochester Police station before stopping to pick up students.
“Hey, does anyone need a ride, fellas?” Annie, the bus driver, asked.
Superintendent Nelson, Chief Assad, and Lt. Dupere joined in the fun, joking about their own Paw Patrol backpacks and first-day nervousness.
“The kids weren’t quite sure what to make of us being on the bus at first,” Superintendent Nelson said. “But within minutes, they were telling us all about their summers and showing us their new backpacks. It was an awesome way to share in their excitement.”
Chief Assad said the idea came to him as a way to make students feel welcome.
“For a kindergartner, that first bus ride to school can feel like a huge step,” Chief Assad said. “We wanted to be right there with them to show them that school is a safe and fun place, and that their community is cheering them on.”
The ride lasted nearly an hour before the students and their special guests all walked into school together, where teachers and staff greeted them.
Superintendent Nelson wishes to extend a special thank you to bus driver Annie, who has been transporting Rochester students for many years.
“Annie is truly the best of the best,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Families know her, kids love her, and she connects with students in a way that makes every ride a great one.”
Friday marked the third day of school overall, but the first day for kindergarteners. Thanks to the extra effort from school and police leaders, it was a day they won’t soon forget.
“By the end of the ride, the kids were asking if we’d be there in the afternoon,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Starting kindergarten is a big milestone. We just wanted to make it a little more special!”
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Bus 5 driver Annie welcomed Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr., and Lt. Zack Dupere onto the bus Friday morning for the first day of school for kindergartners. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson takes a selfie while riding a Rochester bus on the first day of school for kindergartners. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left, Rochester Police Lt. Zack Dupere, Chief Michael Assad Jr., and Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson wait for the bus on the first day of school for kindergartners. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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