It is Labor Day, often seen as summer’s close, and the start of a new school year for roughly 54 million students heading back to classrooms across the United States. Reporters visited four schools to capture first-day scenes, from jitters and traditions to smiles and a few parental tears.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Eleven years ago, Principal Nichole Sakellarion at Micheltorena Street Elementary began inviting kindergarteners to campus a day early after noticing how difficult the transition could be. The now-annual welcome aims to ease nerves and build connection.
“It is really to make them feel a little more connected, to make their day a little smoother and to help them navigate the big emotions of starting in a new place,” Sakellarion said.
The early visit pairs incoming students with fifth-grade “toolbox coaches” who mentor them through the year. On the official first day, those older students meet their kindergarten buddies at the gate and guide them to class.
Fifth grader Noemi Ulloa said she remembered feeling shy when she first attended and wanted to help newcomers manage emotions. Classmate Gerald Gomez-Reina described tools they share, including deep breathing and a “garbage can” technique for letting go of sad or angry feelings. Noemi handed out name tags while Gerald showed students their cubbies and seats, even offering his stuffed Rocket the Raccoon to comfort the especially nervous.
The next morning, families crowded the fence for the true opening bell. Several parents wiped away tears as they waved, while Sakellarion noted, “Almost no tears today from the kindergarteners.” Hand-in-hand with their fifth-grade buddies, the children walked through the gates to begin the year.
— Jonaki Mehta
Edmond, Okla.
On the first day at Will Rogers Elementary, about 25 students and parents gathered at a nearby park despite rising temperatures, ready to pedal to school together instead of driving or taking the bus. The weekly group ride is known as a bike bus.
The effort, started a few years ago and inspired by similar rides in Oregon, encourages families to travel as a group for a roughly mile-long route. Near campus, first grader Hayden Raupe steered past a long car line.
“Biking’s actually better because you do not have to wait in a long line,” Hayden said. His brother, third grader Owen Raupe, added, “I am like, you guys should’ve biked!”
— Beth Wallis
Beaverton, Ore.
Beaverton High School opened a new building for everyone this year, from teachers to nearly 1,400 students. Alongside modern upgrades, such as a state-of-the-art theater with orange seats and large LED screens in the gym, the school preserved its 110-year-old bell, which rang to mark day one.
The familiar sound carried through the new halls as students navigated a layout that felt maze-like at first. Principal Andrew Kearl said the design team focused on creating warmth rather than a sterile feel common in new facilities.
Special education teacher Leah Baird pointed to adjustable classroom lighting that starts soft each morning. “The technology in here is amazing,” she said. “We can change the light color to support students’ sensory needs.” Generous windows now flood her room with daylight, and outside her door a student-made mosaic provides visual cues. She told students to look for a sea turtle in the corner to help them find her class. “As we are navigating a massively large building, we have lots of different visual and sensory cues,” Baird said.
Sophomore Andrew Perez said that after an initial moment of intimidation, the interior felt inviting. “Once I got in, it felt really warm. I like the colors inside,” he said.
— Elizabeth Miller
Charles City County, Va.
About 45 minutes from Richmond, children stepped onto a red carpet at Charles City Elementary as they arrived by bus. The public school includes dedicated classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds alongside older grades, making the day a true first for some.
Preschool teacher Kelly Orrell, now in her 11th year, said the opening day often brings “a little bit of tears, sometimes a lot of tears, some apprehension.” After breakfast, she read aloud from The Kissing Hand about a raccoon named Chester who is nervous about school, then asked her class who felt the same. Several small hands went up with eager “Me!” replies.
The school also held its annual boo-hoo breakfast for parents. After dropping off his 4-year-old son Nolan for preschool, Jovan Howard said, laughing, “I feel better than I thought. My emotions early this morning, I was not too excited, but he is excited, so I am excited for him.”
— Megan Pauly
Bikes, bells and buses mark the new school year
From Los Angeles to Oklahoma, Oregon and Virginia, the new school year opened with community rituals, small comforts and familiar sounds. For many families, the day mixed nostalgia with optimism as students found their way back to class.
About 45 minutes from Richmond, children stepped onto a red carpet at Charles City Elementary as they arrived by bus at the public school, which is part of the Charles City County Public Schools system.
On the first day at Will Rogers Elementary, about 25 students and parents gathered at a nearby park despite rising temperatures, ready to pedal to school together instead of driving or taking the bus in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond.
Beaverton High School opened a new building for everyone this year, from teachers to nearly 1,400 students, as part of the Beaverton School District in Oregon.
For many families, the day mixed nostalgia with optimism as students found their way back to class across the country, even as other communities navigated different challenges, from immigration courts to natural disasters, as reported in stories such as mega dockets snarl Miami immigration court with long lines.