LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – It’s the first week of learning at Lincoln Public Schools. For some students, it was the first time they left mom and dad to meet new classmates in a classroom.
If you remember your first day of school, it was probably a bit like that of five-year-old Axel. At first you are full of excitement, but then you realize that “mommy” will not be in the class with you. Eventually you are able to warm up to the idea and begin a journey that will last 13 years.
“It’s really something that never gets old, the first day of school never gets old,” said Scott Schwartz, principal of West Lincoln Elementary.
Hand in hand with parents and guardians, West Lincoln’s youngest students were welcomed by teachers and staff.
“Hello!” said Axel to his teacher.
The five-year-old was ready to go to kindergarten. His backpack was strapped on and his hands were almost glued to those of his older sisters.
His mother Olga helped him to his classroom. The hallways were familiar to both of them, as Olga had already attended family education classes there. Axel had accompanied his mother there for the past five years.
When they finally found Axel’s classroom, he ran inside to look for his desk. When he found the spot where his name was written in bold black letters, he was already impressed by his teachers.
“You spelled my name pretty much correctly,” said Axel.
After stowing his backpack in its compartment, Axel became all too aware of the reality of kindergarten and sought shelter under the impressive desk.
But with the confidence boost from Mom and the other kids joining the class, school didn’t seem so bad after all.
He crawled out of his hiding place and greeted his new classmates.
“I said to him, ‘Yes, you are a big boy, because to go to kindergarten you have to be a big boy,'” says Olga. “He said, ‘Oh, okay, Mom, I’m going, I’m a big boy now – no more diapers. I’m happy.'”
According to Schwartz, it is normal for students to be nervous on their first day.
He acknowledged that it was the support and encouragement of the teachers that made the day more enjoyable.
“When your child walks into the classroom, they have a great teacher and they can just trust that they’re going to have a great day at school,” Schwartz said. “When they get into that learning pattern, it all just goes away.”
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