In the gentle glow of the morning sun, newly appointed Gary schools Superintendent Yvonne Stokes stood at the entrance of the Bethune Early Childhood Development Center, warmly greeting parents and students on the first day of school. She ushered in the new school year with a wave and a smile, marking a pivotal moment for the district.
Gary Public Schools students returned to class on Wednesday, beginning a new chapter under Stokes’ leadership. The district, now emerging from a state takeover, is focused on rebuilding and laying a strong foundation for its future.
“Welcome, welcome, welcome,” Stokes said as she addressed parents and students in the school’s cafeteria. “I am your new superintendent. We have not had a superintendent for seven years,” she continued, her words met with applause from the crowd.
Stokes emphasized the importance of this moment. “We’re building the plane while flying it. Everything is being built from the ground up,” she said.
The excitement was palpable across the district as students returned to their classrooms, from the bustling halls of West Side High School to the lively classrooms of Williams Elementary School.
Over at Williams Elementary, the first day was a flurry of activity as teachers, principals, and volunteers worked together to ensure a smooth start. Parents snapped photos of their children, capturing the momentous occasion. Among them was Iyanna Banks, who was busy photographing her younger sister, a fifth grader, before dropping her off.
“She couldn’t wait to reconnect with her friends,” Banks said, noting how her sister had eagerly prepared for the day.
Some students kicked off their first day of school with the satisfying snap of a kickstand, setting the tone for a fresh start. Just a few blocks from Williams Elementary, a group of students began their morning commute with a twist: riding their bikes to school, flanked by the Gary Police Department to ensure their safety.
“I’m kind of jealous because I didn’t have the cool factor of riding to school in a group like this,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon. “It’s really getting the mind and body in sync, getting the blood pumping. This is a great way to start off school.”
Williams Elementary Principal Linda Golston, who accompanied the students on an electric scooter, shared in the enthusiasm.
“This is a wonderful idea to start the year,” she said. “We want to continue this. We want to show that our students are engaged; they’re happy, they’re healthy, and Gary Schools is a place where you can feel at home.”
Paul Hayward, a father of two Williams students, shared his thoughts on the importance of education as he dropped his children off.
“I tell them the more school you have, the better your life will be,” Hayward said. “But they don’t know that yet. I want them to learn because every day of their life will be a test. So, it starts here.”
By 7:45 a.m., some classrooms were already buzzing with activity. In Joy Cheatham’s first grade class, she spent the first part of her morning getting students in their assigned seats.
“I was a little anxious about today,” Cheatham admitted, having transitioned to teaching first grade after spending 12 years with fourth graders. “But I think we’re going to have a good class. I look forward to making sure their little brains are like sponges, ready for second grade.”
At West Side Leadership Academy, Stokes shared a special message with the older students, introducing them to the “Four E’s”: Enrollment in college, Enlistment in the armed forces, Employment in the workforce, and Entrepreneurship.
“We want you to be prepared to either enroll in a university or college of your choice, enlist in the armed forces, or enter the workforce,” she told a math class, emphasizing the importance of each path. “Or, if you choose, to start your own business and do something that sustains your love of life and learning — and make some money.”
Parents expressed a mix of relief and excitement as they sent their children off to school.
Lance Woods, a father of a pre-kindergarten student at Bethune, shared a similar sentiment. “I’m relieved,” he said after dropping off his daughter. “I love her, and I’ll miss her, but now I can get some rest.”
Bethune’s principal, Naomi Kinsey, who is new to the school but not to the district, reflected on the significance of her role.
“We have the opportunity to build the foundation for these early learners,” Kinsey said with a smile. “That’s a big responsibility and a great honor.”
Throughout the day, students had a range of emotions as they made their way into school. Some were nervous. Others excited. And some dressed to impress.
“You look like the president with that tie on!” said Tennille Foster-Milsap, the district’s family and community engagement coordinator, to a young student at Bethune-Cookman wearing a Windsor-knotted tie with his collared shirt.