School's Open at Sylvan Avenue Elementary School

Children ran along the sidewalk to the school yard of Sylvan Avenue Elementary School with new back packs filled with sharpened pencils, crisp notebooks and snacks for the first day of school.

There were lots of smiles as students reconnected with friends that were missed over the summer.  Zachary, who has just started second grade said, "I am so happy to go to school today and see everyone." 

At the start of their first day, the children lined up by class in the gym.  Parents and children gathered by the gym door for one last hug and picture before the start of the new school year.

The kindergartners only attend a half day of school for their first six days; on Tuesday, they met in the cafeteria. A majority of the new students looked anxious as they sat with their parents, waiting for their teachers to escort them to class.

Sylvan Avenue Principal Alane Dugan was in the cafeteria helping the kindergarten students find their teachers.  "The first day of school is exciting for the children and teachers.  It is a new beginning," she said.