DeWitt school’s faculty, staff greets start of year with traditional handshake

DeWitt, NY — Manlius Pebble Hill started its first day of school Monday with the school’s traditional handshake greeting ceremony that has been a part of opening day for decades.

The private school’s students lined up to shake hands with the faculty and staff outside the school in DeWitt. About 100 faculty and staff members shook hands with 540 students. The seniors go through the line first, and then the rest of the school shakes hands with staff and seniors.

The tradition stretches back to when Pebble Hill was a separate school. It has been going on for decades. The school later merged with Manlius School in 1970.

“It’s a way to greet everybody and make the staff and kids feel welcome,” said Susan Gullo, of MPH. “It gives everyone a sense of community.”