MYRA VAUGHN PHOTO | Longwood superintendent Allan Gerstenlauer greets kindergarteners on their first day at Coram Elementary School Friday.

Longwood students are headed back to school today, a little earlier than in years past.

Opening before Labor Day is unusual, but is happening because certain holidays fall on weekdays this year, school officials said. One reason Longwood  is starting earlier than other area districts is because students there have off on Holy Thursday, which may not be the case at some surrounding schools.

Superintendent Allan Gerstenlauer said buildings and grounds have been prepared and are ready for students.

“We’re ready to go,” he said in a statement.

Students at Longwood High School and West Middle Island Elementary School will be greeted by brand new principals. Maria Castro, formerly an assistant principal at the high school, stepped into the role of principal, replacing Donald Murphy. Gretchen Schaentzler, who was formerly the assistant principal at Coram Elementary School, will take the reigns as the head of West Middle Island Elementary.

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Longwood's First Day of School 2011-12

MYRA VAUGHN PHOTOS Longwood superintendent Allan Gerstenlauer greets kindergarten students at Coram Elementary School. Longwood students started school earlier than usual this year, with classes beginning Friday.

Longwood's First Day of School 2011-12

Third grade students kick off the school year at Coram School.

Longwood's First Day of School 2011-12

Kimberly Butler meets this year's students at Coram Elementary School.

Longwood's First Day of School 2011-12

Dian Lindsey and her new kindergarten students at Coram School.

Longwood's First Day of School 2011-12

Levi McIntyre, the district's longest tenured building principal, greets students at Longwood Junior High School.

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The district will service 9,130 enrolled students, an increase from this time last year. An extra section of kindergarten is being added after an unprecedented spike in kindergarten registration.

Class sizes throughout the district are increasing, a decision made during a rough budget cycle, during which Longwood lost $7 million in state aid.

Dr. Gerstenlauer warned that funding will continue to be a challenge. He said a particular concern will be meeting the needs of students who live in poverty, are homeless, face a language barrier or have learning disabilities.

Nonetheless, he said each student will be provided with the most Longwood can offer.

“I am optimistic that when children return to Longwood on Friday, it will be to the best schools we can provide,” he said.

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