- December 4, 2024
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Most students in Sarasota's schools had the same first-day jitters Skye Evans did as she walked through the doors to her second-grade classroom.
On her first day of school back at Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 12, the thought of a new teacher made her nervous for the year to come.
Her mom Nikea Morgan calmed her down and reminded her that she knows the school backward and forward, as she has attended it since kindergarten.
Meanwhile, the Alta Vista teachers decided to turn nerves around by making the welcome to elementary school fun.
For its back-to-school theme this year, the school chose "A-Team" in celebration of being an "A" rated school.
Based on the 1980s TV series, it saw all teachers dressed in 1980s-inspired attire and playing songs from the beloved era as parents dropped off students.
"We are really excited to have the kids back here," said Principal Mindy Long. "We expect sunshine and rainbows for the first day."
Meanwhile, students were also celebrating their return to school throughout the district.
At Southside Elementary, some students took playfully to the fields as they were dropped off by their families, with a large "Welcome Back Panthers" sign standing in front of the school to recognize the occasion.
At Tuttle Elementary, one celebration turned a little bittersweet, as fifth grade science teacher Justine Holcomb helped commemorate her class' "last first day" of elementary school.
Students donned back-to-school themed glasses in order to have a class photo taken. Holcomb said the students could now end the year with a souvenir to help them remember how it began.
Superintendent Terry Connor said it was a beginning that saw kids eager to resume school activities.
"In every instance, the kids have got their fresh haircuts, they've got their new clothes, and they're excited to see their friends, and excited about the new possibilities that they have with their teachers in their classes, and so it's just been a really warm welcome and an exciting start to the school year," Connor said.