The first day of school: Bells, bikes, buses and big feelings

Sep 7, 2026 · Jonaki Mehta

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

The first day of school: Bells, bikes, buses and big feelings

Gerald Gomez-Reina high-fives new kindergartener Ian Patterson after they track down his cubby just before the first day of school at Micheltorena Street Elementary in Los Angeles.

Fifth graders calm school kindergartners in Los Angeles. Kids take the "bike bus" in Oklahoma. High school students take in a new high school building in Oregon.

(Image credit: Julie Leopo for NPR)