The excited faces of Sophia Scanga, Stefano Hammond, and Marisa Scanga, all first cousins entering kindergarten together. All of their parents are Haldane graduates. For pure exuberance and anticipation, few things in life match the first day of kindergarten. And, what better elixir to ease the emotional sting of the farewell to carefree summer and unfettered childhood, but ice cream?

Last Thursday, students of Haldane's Class of 2022 were welcomed to their new school with an ice cream social co-sponsored by the Haldane School Foundation, the Haldane PTA, and the Haldane Kindergarten staff.

With school beginning on September 2, the Haldane Kindergartners were brought in for a dry run to familiarize them with their new teachers and classrooms as their parents looked on. It is a Haldane tradition that includes their first yellow bus ride, complete with whooping-it-up through the tunnel at Breakneck Ridge; something bus drivers will try to discourage on subsequent trips.

"Having had four children go through Haldane's kindergarten program, I can honestly attest, nobody does kindergarten better than Haldane!"said Board of Education member Joe Curto, who coordinated the event.

For some parents, this was a thrilling new milestone in their children's lives.

Adam Osterfeld said his kindergartner, Jesse, "wants to be a big boy."

Some held back tears.

"I was weepy," said Felice Ramella, mother of 5-yearold Luke Miesel. "But I am also excited for my son's new adventure."

"I am so happy that my children will have the opportunity to go to the same school I spent so many years in," said Haldane alumna Melissa Scanga, whose daughter Sophia will be in Mrs. Lapicki's kindergarten class this year.

This marked the first year that ice cream was served on this day, but judging by the boisterous response, it could well become a new Haldane tradition.

"The incoming class is very excited and ready to start school," said Principal Maggie Davis.

The ice cream was donated by Purple Monkey Ice Cream Shop, with locations in Croton and Ossining. Owner Phil Profeta also donated two members of his staff to scoop the Gillford's ice cream. The Haldane PTA provided the lemonade. The children also received Class of 2022 t-shirts courtesy of an anonymous donor, who has made a commitment to repeat his gift for the next five years, taking the young recipients to the class of 2027.