CRESTVIEW — This week brings lots of hugs, happy reunions, squeals of excitement, and eager anticipation as the new school year gets underway.
There have also been a few tears — and fears — as younger scholars navigate unfamiliar hallways and bid their families farewell until the afternoon.
On Monday, the first day of school, traffic backed up on southbound State Road 85 as parents dropped off their children at Davidson Middle and Crestview High School.
Davidson Principal Jay Sanders greeted families who dodged the tie-up and parked behind Winn-Dixie, walking to school across the field.
Porsha Allen dropped off her sons, kindergartner Rayshawn and second-grader Robert, at Walker Elementary School. “Robert’s been making straight A’s so far and we’re going to work to keep that up,” she said.
See a photo gallery of North Okaloosa residents heading back to school in "Related Content," at left
Amid excited chatter and milling small bodies, Crestview Fire Department Deputy Chief Tony Holland dropped his children off at Northwood Arts and Science Academy, chuckling at the waist-high clamor surrounding him. “I can put out fires all day long, but I don’t know if I could control this,” he said, laughing.
Receiving a hug from Principal Lorna Carnley, retired Walker special education teacher Carla Dodson returned in a new role following a 15-year teaching career in area schools. “I brought the grandchildren to school (Monday) morning,” she said. “I can’t seem to keep away.”
Two area schools experienced furry drop-ins: one expected and one not. While Bob Sikes Elementary School Principal Vicky Hayden chased a stray dog off campus, Northwood students cheered Champ the Cougar’s debut.
The personification of the school mascot collected high-fives and fist-bumps from other Cougars. He’ll be a regular at school events, and “may let kindergartners and first-graders read to him,” Principal Donna Goode said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview students head back to school (PHOTOS)