The warm, muggy weather may have felt like the depths of summer, but Sept. 1 marked the official start of the 2026-27 school year for students across the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District.

At all three campuses, students arrived with backpacks filled with new supplies and freshly shorn back-to-school haircuts. Fall athletes sported their traditional bleached locks, while high school seniors pulled up in decorated cars to celebrate the start of their final year in the district. Administrators were stationed outside and at the doors, welcoming students back with smiles, hugs and high fives.

The first day brought reunions with friends, introductions to new teachers and the start of new classes and routines. For some students, it also marked a major transition. Third graders began their first year at James H. Vernon School, seventh graders officially joined Oyster Bay High School, and the district’s youngest students celebrated a milestone of their own as they arrived for their very first day of pre-K.

There was plenty of energy and excitement, along with a few understandable first-day nerves. By dismissal, however, students streamed out of their buildings laughing and chatting, with the first day officially behind them and a full school year ahead.

Welcome back, Baymen!