Kids attend first day of school in 2024

With a slight bite of chill in the early-morning air, students and parents flocked toward Butterfield Elementary school today, marking the first school day of 2024.

The same could be said all over Maricopa as schools officially reopened.

Parents, some happy, some sad, said goodbye to their children after two weeks of winter break in the Maricopa Unified School District.

For Greg Harrison, who walked his kindergartener and fifth grader to school this morning, it was a time to be excited.

“When they’re home it’s a lot of work, so you get back into the routine,” said Harrison.

Emmy Breton, with her Butterfield kindergartener and third grader, was excited, but for a different reason — she doesn’t like it when her kids miss school.

“They love their teachers,” Breton said. “We have a really good set of teachers this year.”

Carina Sclafani, dropping off her fourth-grade daughter, said she was with her kids for only a week because they had different holiday weeks off.

“It’s kind of hard getting up early. I was on break,” Sclafani said with a laugh.

She complimented Butterfield as a “great” school with “a lot of support if you have issues.”

She said her daughter likes her teacher, which made it easier for her to return to class.

Marissa Smith, talking to other moms near a crosswalk after seeing her kids off, said she already missed her young ones in second, fifth and sixth grades.

“I’m one of the few that doesn’t like it,” she said.  “I wish they were home all the time.

“I like them being home. I like a slower morning. We do lots of games and have a lot of family time. We go to the library and read.”

She added with a smile: “Luckily, it’s a half day.”

Jessica Holmen, who has kids in second, sixth and 10th grades, shared Smith’s love of family time at home.

While some parents quietly celebrated and others lamented, teachers were ready to pick up where they left off in December.

MUSD spokesperson Mishell Terry said with the new school year, teachers and staff are focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere for students. Reinforcing established routines was important, she said, to get students back on the learning track.

She invited parents to get involved with their students and teachers.

“Looking forward, we invite current and prospective parents to explore a wide selection of signature programs and academic offerings, ranging from preschool to high school,” Terry said. “We have a robust career and technical education program at the high school level.  And ongoing enrollment opportunities for preschool, dual language for preschool and kindergarten.”

She said other programs include accelerated programs for kindergarten and first grade, and Maricopa Virtual Academy.

“MUSD aims to provide a personalized and enriching education to meet the needs of all our students,” she said.

Parents can get a comprehensive overview of learning programs here.

Terry said MUSD has big news for those seeking a career in education. The district’s 1980s-themed job fair is set for Jan 27.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the district’s Administrative Office Building, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

Administrators and supervisors will discuss opportunities and also conduct candidate interviews.

Teaching, coaching and staff jobs are among those available.

Interested candidates can see the district’s online application here and complete it prior to the job fair.

Contact the district’s human resources department at 520-568-5100, extension 1000.