MEXICO — Trevor Chenard, a junior at Telstar High School in Bethel, was one of about 75 students who began the school year at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology on Tuesday.

He said he was pleased to be there.

“My old school didn’t have an automotive program,” he said as he helped himself to lunch served by the Region 9 staff. “It’s pretty good having the option.”

Half of the expected student enrollment attended Tuesday’s first day. They are mostly the first-year students in any of the school’s programs, Director Brenda Gammon said. The other half begins classes Wednesday.

Gammon was busy traveling from classroom to classroom describing the school’s expectations, the rules on driving to school, and myriad other first-day matters.

“No cellphones in class,” she said. “Be here everyday. Attendance is important.”

Staff members greeted the students at the door when the buses from the three sending high schools dropped them off, then helped them find their correct classrooms.

Rachel Wheeler, a Telstar High School senior, ate lunch at a table with several other students who began their first certified nursing assistant class on Tuesday.

“We started right off learning medical terminology,” she said.

Staff members cooked hamburgers on a grill just outside the cafeteria, then other staff members served the students. This is a multiyear tradition for Region 9, Gammon said. On Wednesday, the second-year students will enjoy the same service by the staff.

Employability skills instructor, Norm Jamison, was pleased to return to the classroom.

“I like the kids,” he said.

Wendy Lowe, the C.N.A. instructor, said she has two very large classes this year.

“I look forward to starting with the next generation of health care workers,” she said.