By GINA B. GOOD

PVT

Kids wearing new clothes and catching sight of friends they hadn’t seen over the summer lent an air of excitement to the first day of school on Monday.

Many parents also patiently waited in school office lines for last minute registrations while others waited hand-in-hand with their kids for the school doors to open.

At Hafen Elementary School, Carlos Rodriguez stood with his son Brandon, 8, who was entering third grade, just to make certain his shy son got to the right classroom.

The Finkelstein family also waited at Hafen before the school buses arrived. The parents have six children in Nye County Schools: two in Rosemary Clarke Middle School, two at Hafen, one at J.G. Johnson and one in Pahrump Valley High School. They kept an eye on Destiny, 7, who was starting second grade. She had been up since 4 a.m. because she just couldn’t wait to leave for class. Destiny’s older brother, Dylan, was also waiting eagerly for his school day to start at Hafen. Already good at spelling, he was looking forward to learning “how to spell more words.”

The Finkelstein’s were next heading to J.G. Johnson to drop off Preston, 4, and then bringing Travis to his very first day at Pahrump Valley High School to start the 11th grade. Travis said he wanted to get good grades, “so I can play sports and have my whole family watching.”

Christina Young and her husband lingered awhile at Floyd Elementary after bringing their son to second grade.

“He was so excited,” said Christina. He loves school.” She advised parents who were taking their children to school for the first time to “enjoy your free time.” The Young’s also have a daughter in middle school.

At Mt. Charleston Elementary School the office was busy even after the first bell had rung. Outside volunteers roamed the well-kept school grounds.

Tom Jones and his wife Sandy have volunteered for the school district for many years and are raising their two young grandchildren who are now at Mt. Charleston.

“It’s a shame this school could be closed,” said Tom Jones. “It’s a wonderful place with a dedicated staff.” The couple previously had a child at Manse Elementary. “Miss Mills at Manse is an extraordinary educator,” he said. “She really takes pride in those children.”