As kindergarten began in the Eugene School District 4J on Wednesday, Sept. 3, we set up outside Holt Elementary School for some first-day-of-school photos — and thoughts.

When identical twins Alessia (left) and Bentley, 5, were asked if they were excited, they responded, “Double excited.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
BriarCrow, 5, said he was feeling nervous. “Are you excited for school?” asked Kevin Langley, BriarCrow’s dad. “No,” said BrianCrow. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Like most kindergartners, Tata, 5, was born within months of the beginning of the pandemic. Compared to her older sister, she hasn’t grown up around as many peers. “I’m a little bit nervous,” said Tata’s mom. “Making friends is not as easy.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
“I am looking forward to meeting all my new kindergarteners,” said special education teacher Emily Henson. “I am excited to get to know them and help them grow into nice little human beings.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
(Left to right) Penny, 7, Georgia, 9, Hollis, 5, Israel, 11, pose for a portrait before Hollis’ first day of kindergarten. Hollis is most excited about the playground. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
“This is a heart dress,” said Chloe, 5, who picked out her first day outfit by herself. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Liam, 5, poses for a portrait before the first day of kindergarten. When asked what he was most excited for, Liam said, “Ir al parque. El tobogán.” (Go to the park. The slide.) Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
“I love the first-day energy that is a mix of nerves,” said student success coordinator Kim McManus. “I just joked with a parent that we should have a coffee bar and support group for parents.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Ella, 5, said “I can’t wait to play on the new playground.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Ayiana, 4, (left) and Arrow, 5, pose for a portrait before Arrow’s first day of kindergarten. Asked if he liked counting or spelling better, Arrow said, “Spelling.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Finley celebrates a 6th birthday and poses for a portrait before the first day of kindergarten. Finley wants a Magic 8 Ball. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
“First kid is always a kind of exciting thing for parents,” said Holt Elementary School Principal Allan Chinn. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Blaze, 5, said, “I love the trumpet. I don’t really play in a band, but I did practice playing.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Milian poses for a portrait before the first day of kindergarten. Milian’s older sister said, “Kindergarten is really fun, and I think she will really enjoy it.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
“Seeing all of the new kids, but also seeing all of the kids from last year come back,” said educational assistant Molly Beick about returning to school. “We miss them over the summer.” Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA
Zariya poses wearing her new Hello Kitty backpack. “I got a Hello Kitty lunchbox,” Zariya added. Credit: Isaac Wasserman / Lookout Eugene-Springfield / Catchlight / RFA