Back to School

Wide-eyed students, Raeann Fauver and Colby Love check out the goods in Jessica Rustay’s classroom. Hand sanitizer, tissues, wipes and Ziploc bags made community supply lists in many classrooms around the district. PHOTOS BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Backpacks slung over their shoulders, students in the Stanwood Camano School District said goodbye to summer last week.

Their smiles, laughter, and even the occasional tear, flowed off a wave of buses, marking another “first day of school.”

At Stanwood Elementary, parents were ready with cameras and tissues as they encouraged their children on a touchstone in their academic adventure.

Staff calmly orchestrated the flood of kids to their respective classrooms in time for the Pledge of Allegiance and attendance.

“It’s a great day,” said Principal Victor Hanzeli, whose steps around the building were confident as he introduced himself to new students with a smile and welcomed back familiar faces with a high five.

Kindergartner Kylie Glunt sizes up Principal Hanzeli on the first day of class. For eight fifth-graders, their usual stop at Stanwood Elementary was merely a quick switch to a different bus. The students and their families volunteered to make the transition to Twin City Elementary for the school year, shifting classroom sizes, said Lloy Schaaf, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, who was on site to assure a smooth changeover.

“The kids are handling it great,” said Schaaf.

Second- and third-grade students trickled into Jessica Rustay’s classroom with a bounty of supplies for the upcoming days of learning. Pencils, markers, crayons, paper and hand sanitizer found their way into bins before students found their seats to begin a writing assignment.

Rustay sensed some firstday jitters.

“It’s quiet,” she commented.

In Sara Lemke’s first-grade classroom, students milled about — grabbing books from shelves for a quick read, writing about their likes and dislikes and asking questions.

Lemke swiftly brought them together by describing what an attentive student looks likes.

“Our hands are together, our mouths are closed, our eyes are watching and our ears are listening,” she said.

The same description could be said of parents, teachers, staff and administration, all eagerly awaiting the achievements and surprises each day will bring this school year.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.