The 2026-27 school year kicked off Tuesday, Sept. 8, as kindergarten students in the Eugene 4J and Bethel school districts made their way into classrooms for the first time.

It was also the first day of school for grades six and nine in 4J and first through ninth grades in Bethel. The rest of the students, along with those in Springfield Public Schools, start class on Wednesday.

Lookout Eugene-Springfield was at 4J’s Twin Oaks Elementary, southwest of Eugene on Bailey Hill Road, as students arrived for the first day of school.

Excited kindergartners students arrive on the bus for their first day of school at Twin Oaks Elementary on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield

Mary Waddell says goodbye to her son Conner on his first day of kindergarten at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Joshua Waddell holds his son Connor while being greeted by teacher Natalie Graham (right). Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Teacher Natalie Graham (right) hugs Mary Waddell as Waddell drops off her son at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Bryna Oliver blows a kiss to her child Elliana as she and dad Dacota drop her off on the first day of kindergarten at Twin Oaks. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Teacher Natalie Graham greets kindergarten students and parents on their first day of school at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A student poses for a first-day-of-school photo at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Kindergarten student Elliana (front left) waves as students are served breakfast. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A kindergartner says goodbye to a parent on the first day of school. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Kindergarten parents capture first-day-of-school photos at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A parent takes a selfie upon arriving for the first day of school at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A kindergartner arrives on first day of school at Twin Oaks Elementary. Credit: Craig Strobeck / Lookout Eugene-Springfield
A sign greets families on the first day of school for kindergartners at Twin Oaks Elementary on Tuesday, Sept. 8.