A hint of fall was in the air on Monday, Aug. 29, the first day of the new year for public school students in Evanston. Teachers and principals greeted new and returning students at District 65’s 16 schools. At Evanston Township High School, Superintendent Eric Witherspoon met students on their way to the school’s Dodge Avenue entrance. On the public sidewalk, several members of Evanston’s clergy gathered at the urging of Reverend Patricia McPherson to let the students know, she said, that the faith community wished the students to have a safe year.