Alarm clocks were back in action this past week, as early morning schedules were re-established and students returned to classrooms in Oakdale and Riverbank.
The first day of school was Thursday, Aug. 6 in each district and reports from officials indicate a relatively smooth start for the 2026-27 year.
In some cases, there were a few tears for those just getting started on their educational journey as they watched parents leave the classroom, while older students focused more on sharing hugs and smiles with classmates they hadn’t seen over the summer.
On the Cloverland Elementary campus in Oakdale, several people were stationed on the grounds with bubble guns, creating a festive, light-hearted atmosphere as youngsters walked through the bubbles to enter the gates to get to their classrooms.
Inside, the youngest students found their name tags and learned about hanging up their backpacks and taking their seats.
Outside, older students had a few moments to play on the playground or catch up on the summer happenings with friends before the bell rang to officially start the day.
It was a scene that played out on campuses throughout the Oakdale and Riverbank districts, with transitional kindergarten students to this year’s Class of 2027 seniors all settling in to the school routine.
Highlighting his versatility, Cloverland Principal Larry Bonds fist bumped students and also took the leash of a dog brought on campus early Thursday morning so the mom walking the dog could take her student to his classroom.
While holding the leash in one hand, the principal had an heirloom tomato – given to him by a parent – in the other, and still managed to greet the students and give the fist bump, smiling all the while.
“It’s an opportunity for learning, for growth, for a new start for a lot of them that haven’t been to school,” Bonds said of what he enjoys about seeing the new year get underway.
Assistant Principal Brittany DiGiorno was also there to greet students as well as point them in the direction of their classroom if they were unsure where to go.
“We’re here for the kids; we’re excited to see them and help them along the way,” DiGiorno said. “The parents are excited and we get to relive the fun of every year.”
Back to school nights are being hosted at several sites now that classes have resumed.
In Oakdale, Cloverland, Fair Oaks, Sierra View and Magnolia elementary schools will all have their back to school events this week, on Aug. 13.
In Riverbank, dates are: Aug. 12, Cardozo Middle School; Aug. 18, Riverbank High School and Adelante High School; Aug. 19, California Avenue and Mesa Verde elementary schools.
