Preschool celebrates first day P'burg center opened in January. However, this is first time it has been open for first day of school year. Wednesday, September 06, 2006 • By DANIEL HAUSMANN • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | Drizzly weather couldn't dampen Judy Leh's enthusiasm for the "first" first day of school at Phillipsburg's Early Childhood Learning Center at 459 Center St. "I just can't wait to see the kids again; I miss them all summer," Leh said. "They bring the building to life." A principal in Phillipsburg for six and a half years, Leh met parents and students at the door and was celebrating her seventh opening. "It really went well," Leh said. "The kids were very enthusiastic. Prior to this year, the students were scattered at a number of leased spaces in the Armory, Pohatcong Elementary and Green Street Elementary. Leh said the new building offers more features for the kids. "There's more space," Leh said. "We have bathrooms in each classroom, the building is all on one floor. We have a gym and play area." The 450-student preschool and kindergarten facility opened in January, when students from the old buildings entered its halls for the first time. Monday would be the first time a group of 3 year olds would spend their very first day in the school. Students spend six and a half hours in class, then the school contracts charitable organizations to provide before and after school care programs till the kids are picked up by their parents. Carlos Hernandez, a real estate agent, walked his son Giancarlo, 5, into the building. Hernandez said he loves the service. "It's great; we were coming before they finished it," Hernandez said. "They play, they learn, they do a whole lot." Christina Smith said she would prefer to have her daughter, Shawna Silverthorn, 5, here than at a daycare while she works at the Hunterdon Developmental Center. "The teaching here is great," Smith said. "This is a really nice school." Sandra Morgan was taking her daughter, Ailiyah, 5, to class for the first time. Morgan recently moved to Phillipsburg and previously had to use a day care service. Morgan said the new school is "wonderful." Reporter Daniel Hausmann can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at dhausmann@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used with permission.