It was a successful and joyous first week of school around the district!

Some students got a jump on the school year on Tuesday when Fridley Middle School opened its doors to 5th graders and any new 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, allowing them to acquaint themselves with the school a day before their peers joined them. Similarly, 9th grade students received a rousing welcome from Fridley High School staff and 11th and 12th grade Link Crew members that culminated in an assembly filled with fun games.

“We are coming into this together,” said Interim Principal Kelly McConville to the class of 2027. “This is my first year. For you 9th graders, this is your first year. We’re gonna make it the best year at Fridley High School.”

A little rain on Wednesday didn’t deter Fridley scholars from enjoying their first day of school. Students couldn’t keep from smiling and hugging as they reunited with friends and recounted summer experiences.

FMS Equity & Inclusion Specialist Aloda Sims surprised middle schoolers by cheering for them with black and gold pom-poms in the entryway. Hayes Elementary families posed for candid first-day photos in the #Hayes giraffe-spotted lifesize photo frame in front of the school. At Stevenson Elementary, teachers greeted anxious kindergartners on the front lawn, forming single-file lines as they made their way inside their new school for the first time. Last but not least, our youngest scholars in Fridley Preschool started making fast friends through play-based learning.

FHS capped off the week on Friday with a pep fest that filled the gym with rapturous cheering and chanting as students sang the school song and welcomed new staff.

Superintendent Brenda Lewis reflects on her first week of school

“As the new superintendent of Fridley Public Schools, I have waited all summer for the start of school. It was wonderful to see our students arrive with their smiles and hugs and a little bit of nervousness. I had the privilege of being at each of our school sites and seeing joy-filled first day arrivals and dismissals. I wish that our entire community could see what I got to see during our first week. Fridley Public Schools is where every single student matters – you can feel it from our buses, to our classrooms, to our lunchrooms and our athletic facilities. I am so proud to see the level of belonging our students and families feel.”

• Brenda Lewis, Ph.D.

We can't wait to see all our scholars accomplish as they embark on another school year!

Check out the photo gallery below to see all the photos from our first week of school.