San Marcos public schools opened their doors for the 2008-09 school year this morning.

As kids start boarding buses around 7 am remember to slow down and watch out for those excited youngsters.

But in many ways, it’s a typical new school year, with students (eager or reluctant) heading back to classes with their new backpacks, clothes, and parents money. Another batch of teary-eyed parents sending their 5-year-olds off to kindergarten, and everyone looking forward to the fresh start that a new year seems to promise in 2008.

The kids are anticipating the day with mixed anticipation and apprehension. Old pros, although understanding the routine and structure of the day, still experience a bit of the first-day jitters as they wonder who will be in their classes and how they will fit in socially during the school year. Kids new to the scene (entering kindergarten, middle and high school) may have additional concerns, including how to find their way around the new campus, whether they will have someone to sit with in the cafeteria for lunch and how they will get along with the teachers and be able to compete academically.

A local 7-year old said, “This day is going to be fun and meeting my teacher will be great at Crockett.

School schedules are as follows:

• Bonham Pre K School –7:45 – 11 a.m. (morning class) & 11:40 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (afternoon)

• Elementary Schools (Kindergarten through grade 4) — 7:40 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Intermediate School (Grades 5 & 6) — 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

• Junior High School (Grades 7 & 8) — 8:15 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.

• High School (Grades 9-12) – 8:15 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.

• PRIDE High School – 7:45 – 11:45 a.m. (Morning class) & 12:15 -4 p.m. (Afternoon class)

San Marcos CISD school cafeterias will serve breakfast and lunch beginning on the first day of school. Free and reduced price meals will be available to students of families meeting federal income guidelines. Applications and information are available at all schools. The completed application must be signed by an adult household member. Federal regulations require that a new application be filed each year. Only one application per family is necessary. For more information, parents may contact SMCISD’s Food Services Department at 393-6940.

For more information on the school calendar and more throughout the year visit www.smcisd.net.

So how did the first day go at your school let newstreamz.com know and comment to this story we will post your school notes now for all to see and share.

from Staff Photos