Eighty-Five Candles For Buckley

L to R: Mary Vivian Schott, Dessie DiMino, and Grace Limoncelli are excited about the first day of school at Buckley! In background: fifth grader David Gage.

Buckley Country Day School, serving children from toddler through grade eight, opened its doors on September 6, 2007 with great excitement and anticipation, ready to celebrate its 85th year. Founded in 1923 with only 23 students, this independent, co-educational day school welcomed 341 children from 27 school districts this year.

At the opening assembly, Headmaster Dr. Jean-Marc Juhel's welcoming address set the tone for the year. After extending a warm welcome to all the new children and their families, with a special welcome to the senior class, Dr. Juhel reminded the students to be grateful for all that Buckley has to offer them: the caring adults, a safe environment, the new SMART Boards in each classroom (grades 1-8), and the friends sitting next to them.

"I believe that one of the most important things for you to have a successful year is to set goals for yourself," said Headmaster Juhel. "This year I would like all of us to have as a goal to be bold and have courage. Often, we miss out on incredible experiences because we're too scared to take a deep breath and 'just do it.' Let me suggest talking to a kid you've never talked to before, accepting the fact that things won't always go your way, and thinking 'Why not?' and give your best answer even if you don't know whether the answer is right or not. Get started. Go for it. Have a great year!"

Then, in true Buckley tradition, the eighth graders welcomed each newcomer to the school community as this special anniversary year began. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUCKLEY!!!

For further information about Buckley Country Day School, visit their website at www.buckleycountryday.com.