08/21/2026
Orientation days are about getting to know new environments and the school community in place to guide students for the coming years.
Thursday’s Smith Elementary School orientation, though, became more of a reunion than most, with more than one student running up to hug Principal Jessica Baruffo.
“This is a friend from Krieger!” the second-year principal, who previously served as assistant principal at Krieger Elementary, said, greeting the student and her mother by name, before spotting another former student and doing the same.
Other families were already familiar with the building, as many of the third graders preparing to enter Smith have already spent a year or two of pre-K and kindergarten, when the school was known as the Early Learning Center.
Still, there was plenty for even familiar families to learn, as Baruffo and Assistant Principal Samantha Velez-Mitchell held a bilingual informational session in the auditorium detailing what to expect at the school, what programs are offered, and what Title I funding has provided to the school experience and answered questions from parents regarding such topics as transportation, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and how to become a field trip chaperone.
Meanwhile, the gymnasium was filled with opportunities to pick up treats, like ice cream, cookies, lollipops, crackers, juice and water; school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pencils and books; and information on school and community programs.
In addition to tables at which families could learn about Community Schools and the school’s PTA, community partners with tables included AmeriCorps, the Poughkeepsie Public Library system, Dutchess Outreach, Astor Services, Dutchess County, Hudson River Housing, Fidelis Care, Mental Health America, Grace Smith House, Kwon’s Martial Arts, the Hudson Valley Renegades and others, many of whom likewise provided school supplies, giveaways and snacks.
Though the rain tempered enthusiasm for the bounce house inflated outside the gym, the dozens who dropped by the school still left with a smile and a better understanding of where they’ll be learning come Sept. 8.
Each Poughkeepsie City School District building has an orientation event planned for new students before the end of the month, each with varying activities, snacks, giveaways and other fun. Please be sure to drop by and get to know your school and staff!
