First day of school for older kids was Aug. 30; Kindergarteners start school Tuesday

School started Wednesday in the Snoqualmie Valley School District, for all grades except kindergarten. It was an exciting time for most of the students and parents, with just a few tears from the younger siblings, and a lot of grins, hugs and hand-holding for everyone else.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year, announced Mark Smith, father of Gibson and Camille, who started third and first grades at Fall City Elementary School, respectively, and Bryson, soon to start preschool.

The children enjoyed the excitement of the morning, too, catching up with friends, playing on the jungle gym, racing to class at the first bell, and presenting a variety of gifts to their teachers.

Snoqualmie Valley School district starts the year with about 7,000 students, 468 certificated educators and 350 classified employees.

Desi Frink hugs crossing guard Joan Graves before excitedly entering the school for her first day of first grade. (Evan Pappas/Staff Photo)

Tony Martinez, holding his 2-year-old son Troy, talks with Fall City Elementary School office staff as school starts for the year. “I used to go to this school,” he said. Now, he was there to drop off his daughter, Amanda. (Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo)

Student crossing guards lead parents and students from the parking lot to Snoqualmie elementary safely. (Evan Pappas/Staff Photo)

Melanie and Michael Sligh pose for a photo outside Fall City Elementary School before they head inside to start first and second grades, respectively. (Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo)

Aiden and Hadley Robbins went to see their friends at the Snoqualmie Elementary bus lane. (Evan Pappas/Staff Photo)

Brody LaBelle waves at friends as his mom, Melissa drops him off at school Wednesday. (Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo)

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” says Mark Smith, after dropping off his son, Gibson, front, and daughter Camille, left, at their classrooms Wednesday. Bryson, right, starts preschool soon. (Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo)

Duncan Maynard carries a flower arrangement for his teacher as Fall City Elementary School started the school year on Wednesday, Aug. 30. He starts the fourth grade. (Carol Ladwig/Staff Photo)