Coronado Gets Past First-Day Jitters

Campuses that were quiet all summer came to life Thursday as students returned for the first day of school.

Not everything was familiar quite yet.

A small boy parking his bicycle asked an adult outside , “Do you work here?”

Yes, a good-natured Coronado schools superintendent Jeffrey Felix replied, I do.

Even Felix, who stationed himself outside the campus to greet parents and children, said the first day of school “always gives me the jitters.”

Statewide, schools are confronting multiple issues due to the ongoing budget crisis. In Coronado, there’s a digital divide to bridge, as a recent report criticized the district for an insufficient technology program.

But the first day of school, as it should be, was not about money or policy, but about youngsters and parents, some seeing a new campus for the first time, others making multiple stops to ferry children to more than one of the community’s public schools.

Paige Gifford, a freshman at , said she's a little worried about how difficult the academics might be compared to middle school, but excited as well.

“The best part is seeing all my friends, but if you have good teachers it can actually be fun,” said Paige, 14.

Some families even anticipated the first day. Several parents and children gathered at a day early to see the posted class assignments.

Silver Strand fifth grader Gabriella Ryan is ready for the new year.

“I’m looking forward to it because school, it really helps me with things, and I can’t wait to learn more things,” the 11-year-old said.

Aiden Akers, 7, said he was happy for school to start and gave class the highest rating on a scale of 1-10.

“I like the science club and all the new stuff and being at a new school,” the third grader said, of his family's move to Coronado from Virginia.

His friend Hayden Lacefield said he likes computers, but class is not his favorite part. What is?

“Recess!” the second grader said.