Students return to Marblehead charter school today

MARBLHEAD – Summer’s over and school is here – or at least, one week away.Classes were scheduled to begin this morning at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, with Marblehead’s own Glover’s Regiment leading the outdoor opening ceremonies at 7:45 a.m. The school, which serves Grades 4-8, is beginning its 17th year of operation.The estimated 3,200 students in Marblehead’s regular public schools are scheduled to return to class next Tuesday. Teacher preparations for the school year begins this week."Life at Charter’s been busy, but then summer always is," said Head of School Nina Cullen-Hamzeh, who said the school was expecting its full enrollment of 230, 80 percent of them – about 180 – from Marblehead. Other sending communities include Swampscott, Nahant, Lynn, Salem, Peabody, Saugus and Revere.Albert Argenziano continues to serve as part-time Managing Director, reporting to Cullen-Hamzeh. "His vast network of educational professionals and his broad spectrum of experiences continues to be a valuable asset to MCCPS," Cullen-Hamzeh said.The school has scheduled two events for parents/guardians. The Back-to-School Night will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m., giving parents/guardians and teachers a chance to discuss curriculum and expectations. This year the school is also holding a new Parent Orientation Night on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m., so that new and returning parents can get answers to their questions.