Jason Miczek

Short Stories: First day

The kids are back in school.

Sheryl Jenkins, a teacher's assistant at Antioch Elementary School, checks for any oncoming traffic before escorting Danielle Whittenberger, and her 7-year-old daughter Alexandria Whittenberger across a road on the school's property.
   
Elementary school students arrive at Hemby Bridge in Union County.
   
Eight-year-old third grader Lexie McClellan, left, hugs her mother Jackie Spaide, 32, before the doors to Antioch Elementary School opened at 7 a.m. for the first day.
     
  
Cathy Sumner, center, a 1st grade teacher's assistant, helps direct students to classrooms.
   
Ten-year-old 5th grade students Tyler Wade, left, and Jake Hair check which classroom each is assignment.
   
Paul Rybos, left, a 4th grade teacher, waits with fellow teachers in their classroom doorways for students to arrive.
     
  
Students arrive via bus at Hemby Bridge Elementary.
   
School principal Bill Breckenridge (who has been principal at Hemby Bridge for 20 years) directs traffic as parents drop off their children.
   
Kindergarden teacher Stephanie Henning (facing camera) hugs student Zoe Evans in class.
     
  
Kindergarten teacher's assistant Cindy Gatrell, center, (in blue shirt) escorts two students to class on the first day.