Middlesex Elementary School (MES) kindergarten teacher Kelly McMurtrie (above) makes a dramatic, joyful gesture as she begins her 29th year of welcoming each of her students with a sincere hug on the first day of school — Monday, Aug. 23. “I love this, it’s like Christmas,” said McMurtrie. “I have 18 presents and I can’t wait to open them up and see who they are.” Standing next to McMurtrie is MES art teacher Dixie Doerr. There are five MES kindergarten classes this year, each with about 18 students. (Photo by Tom Chillemi)
Middlesex students start new school year
