Tea and Tissues for PCSSD Parents on First Day of School

The front lobby Chenal Elementary was packed Monday morning; teachers, parents and students going ever which way on the first day of school.

Brent Barrow brought two of his daughters for the first day of the 2012-2013 year,

His oldest has already walked the halls of Chenal, but for the other, it was a new experience.

"She's definitely ready to start," Brent said after dropping off his little girl in kindergarten. "She's looked forward to this all year. She missed the cut off by five days last year."

Stephanie Tucker came with her daughter Madison; a fourth grader who already knows the ropes.

"I just feel good to be back in school," Madison said. "Because all summer, I've been swimming pretty much. So it feels good to be able to do something."

Off to the side were tables set up with tea and tissues- presumably for parents having a hard time letting go. But if any parents felt like crying, they were being very brave.

"There may be some parents who go home, they may get a little sad, and that's what the tissues are for," said PTA President Alicia Humbard.

The Department of Education has certainly rolled up its sleeves this year, expanding the common core and working with struggling schools to close the achievement gap. But parents at Chenal Elementary recognize that student success takes a team effort.

"An organization is only as good as its parents and volunteers, and they really helped out. They're wonderful," Humbard said.

"I know I leave her in safe hands- every time I pull up, drop her off, I know she's in good hands," said Tucker.

Any concerns Barrow had were dismissed the moment his little girl dismissed him.

"She just told me, 'Hey, can you go?'" Barrow said. "So she's really excited about starting kindergarten today."