First day of school in Poplar Bluff

Monday, August 22, 2022

DAR/Samantha Tucker

Students across Poplar Bluff packed their book bags for the first day of school. At the Kindergarten Center some new students were excited, some were nervous, and there were a few tears from parents. Across town at O'Neal Elementary, returning students settled into their classrooms and first graders got a tour of their new school. Both schools reported their staff are excited for the new year.

Cars line up for drop-off at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center before 8 a.m., Aug. 22.
One of Poplar Bluff's finest escorts a student to kindergarten.
Nikki Weaver helps her daughter Mia with her name tag. Nikki said she was "super excited" for Mia's first day. Mia looked forward to coloring.
"I feel excited for her to make friends but I know she's nervous, so I'm trying not to be nervous for her," said Bethany Weerstra about daughter Maklynn. Maklynn's favorite school supplies in her backpack were her snacks.

Jonah McIntosh, center, was nervous about his first day of school but put on a smile anyway. "I'm excited for him," said his father Aaron McIntosh, standing at left. Jonah's grandma Sandy was also there to see him off.
Kids disembark in front of the Kindergarten Center before checking in with staff from the Early Childhood Center next door, who help out the kindergarten on day one. Students are reassured to see a familiar face, said ECC staffer Dacey Greer, and she is happy to see them too. "My favorite part (of the first day) is coming over here and getting to see all my babies I had last year."
Students Brylee, left, and Mary arrive at O'Neal Elementary.
Cars lined up outside O'Neal Elementary on Aug. 22. Principal Dr. Amy Dill said they school has about 40 new students this year.
A tour explores O'Neal Elementary School. The first day of school is spent introducing first graders to the building and each other. Dr. Amy Dill said, "Usually it's pretty fun...because we do a lot of relationship-building kinds of things."
Dr. Amy Dill meets a class by the library during a tour on the first day of school.