VINCENT - Normally, Raya Powell will ride the bus to Barlow-Vincent Elementary School.
But on the first day of fifth grade Tuesday, she "begged" her grandfather, Ron Kelly, to drive her, explaining she just felt like being dropped off.
Kelly, 66, of Vincent, laughed and said his granddaughter didn't have to do a whole lot of begging at all.
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EVAN BEVINS The Marietta Times
Barlow-Vincent Elementary Principal Stephanie Starcher greets parents and students at the start of the first day of school Tuesday.
"These girls, they just ask me and that's all it takes," he said.
Warren Local Schools opened its doors Tuesday, the last of Washington County's districts to get the 2012-13 academic year underway. Most students at B-V and Warren High School said they were excited to be back, but some, like Powell, admitted a little nervousness as well.
"I don't know if I'm going to be late," she said, noting she'll be changing classes for the first time this year. "This is new."
Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders at B-V will be in a middle school-like schedule rotation this year, Principal Stephanie Starcher said. A special orientation was held for those students and their families last week. Kindergarten through third-graders and seventh- and eighth-graders were able to drop off supplies and walk around the building Monday.
Although she's a second-grader, Clara Pettit said she felt a bit like a kindergartener again at B-V Tuesday after attending Warren Elementary her first two years.
"It feels like you're starting all over," she said.
But Pettit said she's also looking forward to meeting new friends as well.
An hour earlier at Warren High School, some freshmen were taking their first official steps into the building as high schoolers.
"I'm kind of ready now," said Alivia Frazier, who felt nervous about finding her way around prior to freshman orientation.
Friend Kinnedy Kuhn felt she was too, although an unexpected obstacle arose Tuesday.
"I can't get my locker open," she laughed. "Other than that, I'm fine."
The first day of school also brought something new for senior Caleb Nicholas - a little fear of the unknown mixed with anticipation for his final year.
"It's pretty exciting, but it's kind of scary ... that I'll be leaving next year," he said. "I guess I have more respect for it because it's just something that I've always had, but now it's going away."
The first day of school is also a milestone for parents and educators as well.
Although her son Mason was starting at a new school - Barlow-Vincent - Vincent resident April Farrar, 33, said the day was easier on her this year than last.
"Kindergarten was rough," she said. "But first grade, they know what to expect, and he's excited, so I'm excited."
Warren High School Principal Dan Leffingwell said even though he and the building's teachers had been working in advance of Tuesday, the arrival of the students is a special occasion.
"The students (are) why we chose this profession, so it's always good to see them back in the schools," he said. "That's what makes our job fun."
