With summer coming to a close, students across the region are trading beach days for backpacks as local schools prepare to open their doors for the 2026-27 school year.

Students will return on different dates depending on their district and grade, with some heading back before Labor Day and others beginning after the holiday. As students prepare to return to the classroom, local superintendents are encouraging them to approach the new year with an open mind, get involved, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

LYNN

In Lynn, students in grades 1-12 will return to school Sept. 2, slightly earlier than usual because of the late Labor Day holiday. After two days of classes, students will have Sept. 4 off for the Labor Day weekend before returning the following week. Preschool and kindergarten students will begin Sept. 8.

Superintendent Dr. Molly Cohen said the earlier start was agreed upon with Lynn Teachers Union leadership and received overwhelming support from its membership.

As students return, Cohen said she wants them to approach the new year ready to participate in their education.

“We want our students to come curious, ready to work hard, and embrace new challenges,” Cohen said. “Every new school year is a fresh opportunity to grow.”

That means asking questions, staying organized, and participating in class, she said, but also understanding that mistakes are part of learning.

“The most marketable skill is coming to school each day ready to engage,” Cohen said.

Attendance is one habit Cohen believes can make a major difference throughout the year.

“Learning starts with being present,” she said. “Every day a student is in school is another opportunity to learn something new, build relationships, discover a passion, receive support, solve a problem, and grow.”

Cohen also encouraged students to explore opportunities outside the classroom, whether through sports, clubs, performing arts, volunteering, or leadership roles.

“We want every student to find something that helps them feel like they belong,” she said.

And when students encounter challenges, Cohen said they should remember there are people throughout the district they can turn to.

“I hope every student knows there is an entire team of adults cheering them on,” Cohen said. “Our teachers, counselors, clinicians, principals, coaches, nurses, and support staff chose this profession because they believe in young people.

LYNNFIELD

Students in grades 1-12 in Lynnfield will return Sept. 2, followed by kindergarten students Sept. 4 and preschool students Sept. 9. Ninth-grade orientation will be held Aug. 31, while kindergarten orientation is scheduled for Sept. 3.

Superintendent Thomas Geary said he wants students to begin the year knowing they have a place within the district.

“We want every student to feel known, supported, challenged, and excited to come to school each day. We have incredibly talented and thoughtful students in our schools, and we want them to actively participate in shaping their school experiences,” Geary said.

Students will also see several new faces this year, with 18 new teachers and five new administrators joining the district.

Some of the largest changes are at the middle school, where Michael Walsh will serve as the new principal and Ellyn Feerick will join as director of curriculum and instruction. Wendy Leone, a longtime middle school teacher, will serve as interim special education team chair, while Christine Gori will join the school as office secretary. They will work alongside Assistant Principal Dana Courtney.

“We’re excited for students to meet all of our new staff and for the positive relationships that will develop,” he said.

The advice Geary said he’d give all students in the district is to be kind, be curious, and not be afraid to push beyond your level of comfort.

“I want our students to be active participants in their education,” Geary said. “To find their passions, pursue them, and make the most out of any opportunities.” 

MARBLEHEAD

Marblehead students in preschool through grade 12 will have their first day of school on Aug. 31.

Superintendent John Robidoux said that one of the most important things students can do to start the year successfully is also one of the most basic: show up. 

“This may sound obvious, but attending school and ‘being present and engaged’ while in school is the best way for students to start the school year off well,” Robidoux said.

Student engagement is a collective focus for the district, he said, requiring educators, families, and students to work together throughout the year.

That engagement does not have to end when the school day does. Robidoux said extracurricular activities can help schools educate the “whole child,” as long as students find a healthy balance among school, home, and other activities.

He also wants students to understand that the adults they encounter at school are there because they want to help them succeed.

“Students need to know that we are in education to foster their success and to provide them with the resources and support necessary for social, emotional, and academic growth as they move through the school system into life after graduation,” Robidoux said.

His advice to students is to attend consistently, remain positive, and not be afraid to make mistakes.

“Come to school consistently, be excited, stay positive, try to live in the moment, own your mistakes, and don’t be afraid of failing forward because that is how we grow,” Robidoux said.

Beyond academic achievement, he hopes students leave the year having learned how they want to carry themselves around others.

“I want all students to feel safe, be their own person, and treat others with empathy, kindness and respect,” Robidoux said. “Your educational experience is what you decide to make of it, so be actively engaged as much as possible.”

NAHANT

Nahant students in grades 1-6 will return Aug. 31, with preschool orientations and kindergarten screenings and visits taking place during the opening days of the school year.

Superintendent Robert Liebow said he is looking forward to seeing students return with the energy that accompanies the beginning of another year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all our kids again, full of excitement and positive attitudes about having a great school year ahead of them,” Liebow said.

His advice for students is to give school their best effort while remembering that how they treat their classmates matters, too.

“It will make a difference to them regarding their options for a bright and rewarding future and, most importantly, to treat their fellow students with kindness and respect always, no matter what the situation may be,” he said.

PEABODY

Students in grades 1-12 in Peabody will begin the school year Sept. 2, while kindergarten and preschool students will start the following week.

Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala said the district is looking forward to welcoming students back while introducing a new curriculum designed to support students both academically and socially.

“This year we are looking forward to implementing the Wayfinder curriculum across all grades to support mental health, social and emotional learning as well as bullying prevention and intervention,” Vadala said.

He said the district will continue to focus on providing opportunities.

“Schools will continue to focus on providing students with daily opportunities to engage in rigorous learning with grade-level text that aligns with state standards,” Vadala said. 

SAUGUS 

In Saugus, grades 1-12 will begin on Sept. 2. Pre-K and kindergarten will begin on Sept. 3.

Superintendent Michael Hashem could not be reached for comment. 

SWAMPSCOTT

In Swampscott, preschool students and those in grades 1-12 will return Sept. 2. Kindergarten students will begin Sept. 10 following screenings and a visitation day.

Superintendent Jason Calichman said one of the benefits of working in education is that every September gives students and educators another opportunity to begin again.

“We had a tremendous year last year, and we want to build on the success we had,” Calichman said. “We want to create a school environment where all of our students as well as our faculty are excited to come to school every single day.”

As for advice, Calichman said he would tell students to be open-minded.

“Try new things [and] challenge yourself,” he said.

And after a summer away from morning bells and school schedules, Calichman offered students one final piece of advice.

“And let’s get to school on time,” he said.

The post Students wind up as summer winds down appeared first on Itemlive.

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