Much has changed between the time 54-year-old John W. Stevens graduated from the Edgartown School and yesterday, when he welcomed the students and parents on opening day and introduced himself as their new school principal.
But for the veteran educator, who comes from running large schools in Florida, the scene was familiar enough.
Parents and teachers packed themselves into the community room at the Edgartown School on Wednesday night to hear which of the three finalist candidates for the principal position the superintendent and school committee had chosen - but then learned that none of the three had been chosen.
Costs for Edgartown School Prompt August Town Meeting
By MANDY LOCKE
Edgartown voters are invited to a midsummer special town meeting to tie up some loose financial ends for the Edgartown School construction project.
The First Day of School
Friends gather at the West Tisbury school entrance.
Friends gather at the West Tisbury school entrance.
The first arrivals on the bus at the Oak Bluffs school.
The first arrivals on the bus at the Oak Bluffs school.
Crossing guards guide kids and parents in Edgartown.
Crossing guards guide kids and parents in Edgartown.
Tailer Ferreira was the first student to arrive in Oak Bluffs.
Tailer Ferreira was the first student to arrive in Oak Bluffs.
Edgartown police officer Michael Snowden with daughter Sloan.
Edgartown police officer Michael Snowden with daughter Sloan.
Isabelly Rosa and Elizangela Rosa in Oak Bluffs.
Isabelly Rosa and Elizangela Rosa in Oak Bluffs.
West Tisbury teacher Kate walking two youngsters to class.
West Tisbury teacher Kate walking two youngsters to class.
Edgartown School's new principal Kate Campbell introduces students to Shae, the therapy dog.
Edgartown School's new principal Kate Campbell introduces students to Shae, the therapy dog.
Oak Bluffs principal Jeremy Light helps a young student.
Oak Bluffs principal Jeremy Light helps a young student.
Grace Seguin and Brooklyn Cancellare are ready for teh first day of school.
Grace Seguin and Brooklyn Cancellare are ready for teh first day of school.
Only West Tisbury could boast a unicorn appearance.
Only West Tisbury could boast a unicorn appearance.
Some students can not wait for recess.
Some students can not wait for recess.
A new year, with familiar faces.
A new year, with familiar faces.
The start of another year.
The start of another year.
Across the Island, kids dusted off the books and pencils as they returned to the classroom Tuesday morning.