Kian Zhuang, 4, has his picture taken with his father, Yohanes, by his mother Neysa during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Elowyn Simon, 5, gets some TLC and encouragement from her mom, Kate as her dad Jeff watches during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Dottie Taylor, 5, holds her mother Katie’s hand as her teacher extends her hand to her during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Marisol Doddol takes a selfie with her husband Alberto, son Alberto Jr., 5, and his teacher Grace Unfield during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Kindergarteners and first graders together ready to enter their classrooms during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Santiago Hills Elementary PTA Membership chairs, Olivia Chiang, left, and Avneet Kaur, promoting sponsorship of PTA membership for teachers and school staff during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Parents look through clothing to buy to help support the Santiago Hills Elementary PTA during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
First grade teacher, Mrs. Kovac works with her student Aaron, 6, during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Jennifer Welch and her daughter Tabitha, 6, have an intimate moment during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Mrs. Eden with her K/1 Combo, kindergarten and 1st grade class during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Four-year-old twins Leila Yoo, left, and Addison hug before entering their classroom during Irvine Unified School District’s first day of school at Santiago Hills Elementary School on Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Frank D’Amato, Contributing Photographer)
Irvine Unified students are back to the books for the new school year.
Summer fun came to an end last week as students returned to campus for the first day of school with parents taking extra time in the morning to make sure the start of the academic year was special with hugs and pictures as their students headed off to their new classrooms.
Schools also got into the spirit with teachers out front welcoming their new learners.
