Jack Pedersen, 5, a kindergartner at Mark Twain Elementary School tries out the swings during recess on the first day of school Monday.
It was a day of “firsts” Monday in the Carson City School District as classes resumed after summer break.
Michelle Pedersen dropped off three of her children at Mark Twain Elementary School for their first day of school.
With her youngest, Jack, starting kindergarten this year, she returned home alone for the first time.
“I don’t have anybody until 3:15,” she said. “I don’t know what to do right now.”
Although she said she was eager for the experiences her children would have — her oldest starting Carson Middle School — there was some concern for Jack in kindergarten.
“Not because he’s my youngest, but more because of his personality,” she said. “He’s my Grumpy Cat. He’ll have a rough couple of days, but then he’ll figure it out and realize how wonderful kindergarten is.”
As it turned out, it may not have taken a couple of days — just until the first recess.
“I like it outside,” he said from the swings. “I don’t need a push because I’m really high up.”
He even took time to tutor the boy next to him.
“Do you know how to pump,” he asked, demonstrating the skill. “A good way to stop is to bend the chain out.”
It was a first day of sorts for principal Ruthlee Caloiaro and assistant principal Shelby Tuttle as well.
Caloiaro took over as principal about two months into the school year last year and Tuttle, who taught science and coached at Carson High School for eight years, interned at the elementary school last spring.
To celebrate their first day in a new way, the administrators hosted a meet-and-greet for all students and parents before school.
“The older kids have just as much anxiety as the little kids,” Caloiaro said. “We want to make the school open to all parents. You’re trusting you child to us all day. You want to know who we are.”
She said the school was packed with parents before the first bell rang.
“It was awesome,” she said. “It was successful.”
Tuttle said he didn’t have any first-day jitters.
“Ruthlee and I work very well together,” he said. “We’ve got an amazing program and our staff is wonderful.”
Parents still had some adjustments to make, however.
“I’m excited to be back in a routine,” Pedersen said. “I’m excited for them to have their adventures, but I will miss them. I like having them home.”