Children ran through school doors Tuesday morning, many sporting new shoes and new outfits, as the 2024-2025 school year officially opened at a number of Redmond schools.

Sept. 3 was the first day for second- through fifth-grade students as well as high school freshmen. Children leaped out of their parents’ cars, skipped toward their new classrooms, with new bright clothes and shiny backpacks.

M.A. Lynch Elementary in southwest Redmond was one of the busiest spots in town early Tuesday morning. Families were arriving as the sun was coming up and the school also welcomed new teachers and a new curriculum.

Haley Ivie, a student teacher for Jill Briskey, will help teach fourth grade. Ivie attends Oregon State University Cascades and this will be her first time teaching in a classroom.

“I’m excited to see how the school works (and) get to know everything about teaching,” said Ivie.

She’s excited to teach math the most and get to know the students.

Siblings Sophia and Aiden Pirisky are both going into third grade. They said they’re most excited to see their friends they didn’t see much over the summer. They’ve got lots to catch up on: Sophia got her ears pierced and Aiden enjoyed swimming.

“In the deep spot (of the pool),” Sophia specified.

She also learned to do a few tricks in the water, including a somersault and other “flips.”

“I love doing cool tricks in the water,” Sophia said. “It’s so fun.”

The two wore new outfits for their first day. Aiden showed off his new shoes and backpack while Sophia said she chose her panda shirt for her “school sister” Liliana who loves pandas.

Second grade student Deakin Johnson is most excited for “the cafeteria” food. His brother Nash wasn’t as excited for the first day, because he said he’s already looking forward to the “end of the year.” Nash is a fifth-grader at Lynch.

Deakin said his favorite part of summer was seeing a Seattle Mariners game. Even though they didn’t win, he was happy he got the experience.

Sisters Sophie and Sadie Coffen are most excited to read this school year. Sophie started her third-grade year and Sadie her first.

They enjoyed going to Sacramento this summer to visit their grandma, Sophie said. Sadie specifically liked watching TV at grandma’s house.

The Redmond School District’s new language arts curriculum will incorporate a lot of reading, said kindergarten teacher Christy Conley.

“I’m actually very excited to see how the outcome is for little kids doing this approach,” Conley said. “It’s much different from all the other years that we’ve taught.”

Although kindergarteners don’t officially start until next week, Conley said small groups will stop in throughout the week as a “soft start,” where teachers will observe behavior and conduct academic assessments. On the official first day, the kindergarteners will be placed appropriately in their classrooms.

“It’s fun to get to know them in a less intense setting,’ said Conley. The first week of kindergarten has a “camp” them. Students make beaded necklaces, lanterns and other art projects. One of the classrooms will even have s’mores.

Principal Chris Wyland said that “student belonging” is a core focus this year at Lynch. Staff wants kids to feel “seen and heard in our school.”

“This year we’re starting a brand new student store where kids are earning lion bucks,” Wyland said. “They’re being awarded for good behavior. They’re being recognized for making positive choices, being responsible and respectful.”

Wyland said that toys and experiences can be bought with the school dollars. Lion bucks can be earned by staying on task, walking down the hallway appropriately, picking up playground trash and following behavior expectations, according to student services coordinator Sara Hertel.

Students also returned to see renovations made by the 2020 bond, which included a new security entryway and lighting.

If the 2024 bond is passed for Redmond schools, Wyland said the money will be used to enhance Lynch’s “life skills space,” where physically and mentally impacted students can individually work with staff.

All over Central Oregon, school bus drivers have started their routes, and other motorists are urged to be safe and aware of buses on the road. Check for red lights and stop arms on school buses.

Students who are walking, biking or skateboarding to school should be aware of crosswalks, stoplights, drivers and school and city buses to be safe.

Local organization Commute Options includes biking tips and walking routes to schools on its website for Bend-La Pine Schools and the Jefferson County, Redmond, and Sisters school districts.