The halls were filled with laughter, classrooms are buzzed with possibility, and the 2026–2027 school year officially began across the Oneonta City School District!

The day began early as the OCSD fleet of buses returned to the road, traveling through the morning mist to bring our Yellowjackets back to school. With each stop, students climbed aboard for their first ride of the new school year, while our transportation team helped begin the day with care and a warm welcome.

Across our elementary schools, our youngest Yellowjackets arrived filled with excitement for the new adventure ahead. It was beautiful to see teachers and staff welcome them with warm smiles and listening ears, kneeling down to greet each child at their level, hear their summer stories, ease first day nerves, and help them feel right at home.

At Oneonta Middle School, staff members helped new and returning students settle into the rhythms of a new year, from opening lockers and finding classrooms to navigating the halls. At Oneonta High School, Link Crew members welcomed incoming freshmen, while students throughout the building enjoyed reconnecting with friends and caring staff after a summer apart.

For our students, today was the first page of a brand new school year. It was also a special milestone for the faculty and staff members experiencing their first opening day as Yellowjackets. Throughout every building, the day was filled with helping hands, encouraging words, joyful reunions, and the beginning of new friendships and opportunities.

Thank you to our families for entrusting us with your children and to every member of the OCSD team who helped make today such a success. Most of all, thank you to our students for bringing their energy, curiosity, and spirit back into our schools. You are the reason our buildings feel complete again.

After a day like today, we could not be prouder to say...

It's a great day to be a Yellowjacket!