The first day of school in Seminole County is now in the books, and for Longwood Elementary School it was a big day.

  • Seminole County school district holds first day of school
  • Longwood Elementary opens for first time in 2011
  • School closed then because of budget cuts

Longwood Elementary had its first full day of school since it closed in 2011.

The reopening brought back fond memories for Tammy Swiderski. She lives across the street near the school. 

“It was neat seeing the parents bring their kids to school again, walking hand in hand,” said Swiderski. “It’s a good feeling.”

Swiderski's her boys went to Longwood Elementary until the school district closed it due to budget cuts. Shefought to keep it open.

Thanks to increasing enrollment, school administrators decided last year to re-open the school.

School board members and superintendent Walt Griffin chose the school as the location to have the district’s ceremonial bell ringing to mark the first day of school.

“I am thrilled to see that it is back open again,” said Swiderski. “It was a long wait and I didn’t think it was going to happen.”

Swiderski says her youngest son should be able to transfer to Longwood for next year.

“And hopefully it will stay open for a long time now,” said Swiderski.

Some construction still continues at the school, which school administrators say will likely continue for a few more weeks.

District officials say no major problems were reported across the district on the first day of school.