[VIDEO] Welcome Wellington: Belmont's Newest School Opens Its Doors

Amy Wagner was a blur this morning; greeting students and parents, advising teachers and hosting town and school officials on the first day of the school year.

But through it all, the principal of Wellington Elementary was excited and happy that Belmont's newest school was open and ready for its nearly 600 students.

Although ...

"I wish it was sunny," said Wagner, looking out at the steady cool rain that forced the brief ceremony indoors in the gym.

There was some concern if the school would open on time as the town's engineer did not sign off on the needed Temporary Certificate of Occupancy until yesterday. 

Even with the TCO in hand, Mark Haley, the co-chairman of the Wellington School Building Committee, said the building will not be "completely done" until sometime in November.

"But we got it open on time and on budget," Haley said, adding that he was in the $40 million building until 7 p.m. yesterday "just to make sure everything was in place." 

By 8:45 a.m., the students said the pledge of allegiance, sang "My Country 'tis of Thee," and saw kindergartener Sarah Lovallo and third grader Katelyn Sawyer cut the ribbon to officially open the school. 

"OK, let's go to our classroom," said Second Grade Teacher Gwen Trish.