Joy and jitters fill first day of school at McNeal Elementary

The first day of school can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when you're broadcasting to the whole school. 

Although fifth graders Hannah Marco and Eloise Vahn were each a bit nervous, they welcomed their peers back to Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School via the Wildcat News Network with ease on Aug. 10.

Prior to her 2026-2027 debut, Marco woke up five times. Waking up for the last time at 6:30 a.m., She wanted to pick her best last first day of elementary school outfit.

Marco and Vahn have both attended McNeal since kindergarten. They are excited to put their best feet forward and be good examples for the younger kids.

"It's great to have kids looking up to you," Vahn said. "It makes you feel good. I want to work hard and try my very best. If I'm feeling down, I just have to keep going and be positive." 

First grader Perry Hallam and kindergartener Avery Hallam walked into McNeal Elementary as students for the first time giddy with excitement. Their mom, Savanna Hallam, said she has a warm and fuzzy feeling about McNeal. 

"The right schools can help our kids become well-rounded individuals," Savanna Hallam said. "It can give them opportunities to discover their unique talents and gifts that one day they would share with others. We are excited to make friends in our community."

Hallam can’t wait to see her sons grow into who they are meant to be with the help of loving educators and prays her boys become advocates for what is right and good.

First grader Liliana Koltun came to school eager to show all of her friends she lost five whole teeth over the summer. 

Koltun came prepared with a bag of five of her favorite things — a tennis ball, tennis racket, a figure of the purple dragon named Figment from Disney, a figure of Aurora from "Sleeping Beauty" and a family photo. This was at the request of her teacher, Anna Bunyak, so the students could introduce themselves to the class. 

Koltun's mom, Francesca Crabill, said Koltun has learned so much at McNeal over the last couple of years and she can't wait to see how much she grows during the 2026-2027 school year.

For most teachers, a new school year brings new students. In the case of Bella Rubal, it is a bit different. Rubal taught first grade last year and "looped" up to second grade. 

Out of her 17 students she has in her class this year, 15 of them had her as a student last year as well. Since Rubal has most of the same kids, she put extra effort into making her new classroom appear different and fresh and she created all new activities. 

"They (her students) all have started to grow into more of their little grown up selves," Rubal said. "Even just from today, their personalities are becoming even stronger. They seem so much more grown up from how I left them in first grade, even though it's only been two months." 

Ana Soto dropped off her son, Mihka Locke, who is entering fifth grade. Locke is happy to see his friends again. 

Soto hopes Locke embraces the school year and doesn't get too stressed about homework and grades.

"I hope that the kids, most of all, stay happy and understand that these days will pass," Soto said. "Take it like one step all the time."

For Principal Sheila Waid and Assistant Principal Jennifer McManis, the first day has been a day they have been waiting for. 

On the evening of Aug. 9, the day before school Waid dressed up in her pajamas and read "Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes" on Facebook Live.

"If I can ease a little bit of fears for those kids who are afraid or nervous to leave Mommy, then it's all worth it," Waid said.

Waid didn't sleep that night due to excitement, and her first thought the morning of was "How fast can I get to school?" She wanted everything to be perfect for the students and staff. 

McManis said they have such a wonderful staff and she is excited for all of the new hires who especially add new pizazz. She said it is wonderful to see the seasoned and new staff bonding through their love of teaching.

"I cannot tell you why, but I have this weird sense," McManis said. "I can't explain it, but it's been with me all summer that this is just going to be such a great year."