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Shelley Osterloh Reporting For about half a dozen of the state's school districts today was the first day of classes. Always a day of great expectations-- new teachers, new friends, a new school year.
Matthew Liti, Second Grader: "I was nervous though, I was excited."
Yeah, a little nervous and excited about the first day of school at Viewmont Elementary in Murray District. New backpacks line the halls, the Crayons are new, erasers unused, desks clean, students names already posted on the birthday calendar, and students have their pictures so everybody can begin to put a face with a name.
Many students come prepared with advice from mom.
Westin Astle, First Grader: "She said, 'have a fun day see ya after school.'" And while the ABC's and math are important, so is learning to get along, following the rules and making new friends.
Matthew Liti, Second Grader: "'Cause my sister has a friend across the street and I don't have friends, so I have to come and make new friends."
Madeleine Smith, First Grader: "No hitting or tackling at recess."
It's also a special day for parents.
Caroline Smith, Parent: "First off, it gives my child somewhere to go, and she's my tail-ender so I get some time to myself. So it's like a vacation time for me."
And as students at Viewmont say goodbye to teachers, they hurry home with new things to share. The first day is over, the new year begins.
Darren Dean, Principal Viewmont Elementary: "Happy smiling faces all in their new clothes and ready to go to school and do what they need to do. It's a busy day."
Murray School District is among the first to start school, but within the next two weeks nearly all school districts in the state begin classes. Fall and cooler weather can't be far behind.
