ALLEGANY — Students in many school districts across New York state were up bright and early Tuesday morning for the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

The Allegany-Limestone and Salamanca districts were among the area schools that welcomed back students on Tuesday. Olean, Hinsdale and Portville schools opened today.

For the first day with students back at Allegany-Limestone, Superintendent Tony Giannicchi said it was pleasantly boring.

“It was calm and it was cool and everything was running smoothly. We were waiting for the ball to drop,” he said at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. “We have pretty good building administrators and good staff, and everything flowed pretty well.”

Giannicchi said the transportation department usually has some delays, but it all went off without any issues Tuesday.

Students disembark their bus on the first day of school at Allegany-Limestone Elementary School on Tuesday in Allegany.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald

Ahead of the students’ return, Allegany-Limestone held a new teacher orientation over three days in August, introducing them to the schools and districtwide community as well as pairing them with teacher leaders, Giannicchi said.

“I think we were lacking that a little bit,” he said. “Even though they’re all pretty local here, just to know what our district involves.”

Welcome back days on Aug. 26 and 27 saw staff in the buildings getting their rooms ready for the year, Giannicchi said, and the back-to-school bash saw the halls flooded with students and families who got to meet the teachers and enjoy games and activities.

“The open house days were pretty great,” he added. “The middle/high school was pretty well attended, more than it usually is in years past. The elementary is usually outside for a big celebration. It was inside but still well-attended.”

For the first staff day, Giannicchi said a former student was a guest speaker, detailing some of the struggles she faced as a student at the time, and encouraging teachers to be aware that they may not know what every student is going through and to be mindful of every student in the new year.

Students make their way into Salamanca High School for the first day of the 2025-26 school year Tuesday morning.

AT THE Salamanca City Central School District, seeing both students and staff walk through the doors on Tuesday morning reminded district officials of how much they’ve missed the heartbeat of our school community over the summer.

“Your smiles, your energy, your presence — it means everything,” a post from district officials on the school’s Facebook page read. “Thank you for being here today. Let’s make this year unforgettable!”

Both Tuesday and Wednesday were half-days for students, but many of them had the opportunity to see their classrooms and visit with teachers the week prior at the annual welcome back picnics held at Prospect Elementary on Aug. 26 and at the Iroquois Drive campus on Wednesday for Seneca Intermediate and the high school.

“These picnics are a wonderful way to ease into the new school year, reconnect with staff, and build excitement for what’s ahead,” school officials said.

Salamanca students disembark their buses to enter Prospect Elementary School for the first day of the 2025-26 school year Tuesday morning.

Over the weekend, seniors in the Class of 2026 gathered to celebrate the start of their final year with a special Senior Sunrise. And while the sun chose to stay hidden, the spirit of the morning was nothing short of bright.

Together, the seniors shared food, laughter, memories and meaningful moments. A highlight of the morning came when elders shared heartfelt words of wisdom, reminding the seniors of the importance of kinship.

In keeping with its commitment to support families, the Salamanca district will provide essential school supplies — including notebooks, pens, pencils, paper and more — at no cost. Parents and guardians will only need to supply a pair of sneakers for gym class and a bookbag.

“We’re proud to fulfill our promise to families,” said Board President Theresa Ray. “By covering the cost of supplies, we’re helping ease the financial burden and ensuring every child starts the school year prepared.”

In addition to free school supplies, the district will also offer free breakfast and lunch to every student starting the first day of school. This is made possible by the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying districts to provide meals at no charge to all students — no forms or applications required.

A mother takes pictures of her children on the first day of school at Allegany-Limestone Elementary School on Tuesday in Allegany.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald