MURRAY -- It was back to the classroom for thousands of Utah students. Monday was the first day of school for several school districts around the state.

The first day of school is usually filled with the excitement of new classes and new teachers, and Monday was no exception. The day went off without a hitch at most schools, but others had a few challenges on this first day back.

The student body officers at Cottonwood High School in Murray couldn't wait for the school year to start.

"To think that now we are the seniors for this new school year, it's exciting because we know there are a lot of fun things going on," said senior Lola Moli.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people," senior Connor Peck said. "[There are] a lot of new faces out in the hall."

As students crowded the halls on the first day back to school, the student leaders helped new students find their classes.

"I've met a lot of new kids from everywhere in the valley and from other countries, so it's been good," said senior Brendon Brandao.

The year is already off to a good start, with the Colts winning their first football game against Alta last Friday night.

"Everybody rallied together. It was a very emotional win, and that's carried over to today; and the excitement of the football game is adding to the excitement of the day," said Principal Mitch Nerdin.

Deseret News:

First day of school kicks off across state

Second through sixth graders entered Midvale Elementary on a red carpet Monday kicking off the first day of school.

Nerdin is the new principal of Cottonwood High School. He said he's looking forward to a fresh start and has hired on several new teachers.

"Mathematics is a real push for us," Nerdin said. "We've been able to hire some really good teachers in math."

A new school in Kaysville, Endeavour Elementary School, opened its doors Monday too. The school relieves overcrowding at Snow Horse and Eagle Bay elementary schools.

"We're growing by about 1,000 new students every year," said Chris Williams, community relations director for the Davis School District.

A few schools faced some challenges the first day in class -- Farmington Junior High and Eagle Bay Elementary started the day off in the dark.

"Both without power today," Williams said. "The schools are mostly dark. We do have auxiliary lighting. The power has been out since yesterday [at] 4:00 in the afternoon."

The district says it was a small hiccup, but class continued as scheduled.

"School is going on, and teachers are teaching, and we do the best we can," Williams said.

Williams said power was restored around lunchtime.

Meanwhile, not every Utah student is back in class. Other districts start later in the week.

E-mail: aforester@ksl.com

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