Paxton Kinder, 5, of Highland Plantation slowly makes his way to Kingfield Elementary School for his first day of kindergarten Wednesday. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)

Shana Minton accompanies her daughter, Elodie Minton, 6, to W.G. Mallett School Wednesday. Elodie, a first grade student, said she was looking forward to “learning stuff” this school year. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)

Nevaeh Gordon, 6, of Farmington boards the school bus Wednesday. Nevaeh is a first grade student at W.G. Mallett School in Regional School Unit 9. She said her favorite part of school was being able to play with her friends on the playground. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)