School started today at new elementary schools in Portland and Falmouth.

It was the first day for many students at Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland, which replaced the aging Clifford Elementary School.

Clifford students transferred to the new school last February because the new building was finished ahead of schedule.

Neighborhood kids who previously attended Presumpscot, Longfellow and Riverton elementary schools started at Ocean Avenue today, bringing total enrollment to 430 students.

“It was very smooth,” said Ocean Avenue Principal Beverly Coursey. “The kids came in and knew right where to go.”

The school hosted a grand opening and ice cream social last Thursday so students could visit their classrooms before opening day.

Today also was the first for more than 870 students at the new Falmouth Elementary School, which replaced the aging Plummer-Motz and Lunt elementary schools.

The new Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham opened last Tuesday.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.