Monday marked the first day of school for kids of all ages
throughout San Benito County. For high school seniors, the day
meant they were finally at the top of the school and the nearing
freedom to decide where their lives head next. And for
kindergartners, it meant finally embarking on the 13-year journey
of school.
Hollister – Sitting at the front of the room Monday, Ladd Lane kindergarten teacher Michal Query asked her class if they had been waiting for the day to arrive.
The small group of students nodded in response – hesitantly at first, then with slightly more vigor.
“I’ve been waiting for this day, too,” Query said, smiling warmly.
Inside their colorfully decorated classroom, the kindergartners sat cross-legged listening to Query, their new teacher, on their first day of school and a morning that brought a mix of excitement and nerves for the young students.
While reciting the numbers one through 20 and listening to a story about a raccoon, many stole glances at their parents, who sat apart from their children in child-sized chairs filling out paperwork.
The parents appeared to share similar emotions with their kids, waving back when the children glanced their way.
Monday marked the first day of school for kids of all ages throughout San Benito County. For high school seniors, the day meant they were finally at the top of the school and the nearing freedom to decide where their lives head next. And for kindergartners, it meant finally embarking on the 13-year journey of school.
For 7-year-old Mixy Chavira, who started second grade at Calaveras School on Monday, it meant the opportunity to learn more.
Asked what she was most excited about learning as a second-grader, she replied, “To write in English.”
Mixy brought a small bouquet of red flowers for her teacher. She was also happy about the first day, she said, “because I’m going to meet my teacher.”
Others felt the day brought opportunities to start over.
Emily Ruiz, 8, said she was planning to improve her grades and not get in trouble this year.
“I’m really happy that I’m going back to school,” Emily said. “I’m going to have the best year of my life.”
The first day of school also meant preparation beforehand.
Araceli Barrientos, whose daughter entered second grade, said Janel spent the previous night getting ready for Monday.
“She had to get her hair cut and arranged her clothes (Sunday night),” Barrientos said, adding that Janel was proud she had chosen her outfit herself.
Still, Monday was not a happy day for all kids entering the classroom. Some students spoke nervously about their upcoming year, or of rumors they had heard about their new teacher being strict.
The first day also incited a few tears from young children parting their parents’ side.
