Nico Knestrick, 5, pledges allegiance to the flag with his kindergarten classmates for the first time on the first day of school at Trinity East Elementary School Monday. Nico is a son of Richard and Telina Knestrick of South Strabane Township.

Kindergarten teacher Chandra Abbondanza greets last year’s students Tavian Potts, 6, left, and Morgan Stimmell, 6, with a hug as they pass her classroom on their way to their first-grade classroom Monday at Trinity East Elementary School on the first day of classes. Tavian is a son of Lauren and Anthony Potts. Morgan is a daughter of Kristen and Christopher Stimmell. Both families live in South Strabane Township.

Fourth-grade student Nakala Allen, 10, right, granddaughter of Paul and Paula Howard of South Strabane Township, leads the way off the school bus Monday on the first day of classes at Trinity East Elememtary School in South Strabane Township.