The first day of school was warm and sunny.

For those “Can Dos” who live close enough to school to walk, it was great fun walking with friends and talking about what school was going to be like in a new grade. Of course, the moms all walked to school with the “Can Dos” but they all walked together talking about the stuff that moms talk about.

Most of the “Can Dos” carried knapsacks, which were mostly empty, except for pencils, paper, and other school supplies. On the trip home the knapsacks were sure to be heavier because they would be full of new books for Social Studies, Language Arts, Math and Computer Skills.

As they got near the school, they saw the school bus pull up, stop, and let off those “Can Dos” who live too far away from school to walk. They ran up to meet their friends and then they all walked into school together.

The principal was just inside the school door; she was meeting and greeting each of the “Can Dos” and directing them to the auditorium. Once the “Can Dos” were in the auditorium, Coach Campbell gave them a big hello and led them to their seats.

The “Can Dos” listened carefully as each class was called to stand, meet their home room teacher, and walk to their new classroom. Soon it was their turn.

They were so happy to hear that Miss Pat would be their home room teacher and their computer instructor even though they would have different teachers for their other subjects.

The “Can Dos” followed Miss Pat to a sun-filled classroom with tables and chairs that were just the right size for them. There were rows of computers in the back of the room and coat closets with lots of room for boots and rain and snow gear come winter.

Then came the fun part. Miss Pat said,”When I call your name, please take the seat I assign you.” The “Can Dos” all hoped to sit next to their best friends, but Miss Pat knew better than that. Sitting next to your best friend would be too much of a temptation to talk.

Soon, everyone had his or her seat. Miss Pat welcomed everyone back to school, took attendance and gave the “Can Dos” their daily schedule of classes and the teachers who would teach them in each class. The class did not have to change rooms for each class, the teachers would come to them.

The day went by fast and soon they were on their way home talking a mile a minute about their new teachers and all the new things they would be learning.

The “Can Dos all agreed that the school year was off to a very good start!