For Fremont students (and teachers), first day of school means 'good nerves'

On his first day teaching music at Fremont Elementary School, Kyle Kimber taught his students a new song.

"Good morning," he sang Monday, instructing them to repeat the words back. "I'm feeling good today. And when I feel this way, it makes me want to say, 'hooray.'"

The students seemed to agree with the lyrics on their first day back to school.

"It's fun," said Brigette Quintero, 9. "You wear your best clothes and get to see your friends."

The first-day jitters weren't reserved for the kids only. Five new teachers joined the year-round school Monday, the most in recent history.

After teaching his first year in his Elko hometown, Kimber has taken over the music program at Fremont.

"I'm a little nervous," he said. "Good nerves, not bad nerves."

And he hopes keep that momentum going, sharing his passion for music with his students.

"I try to make it as fun as possible so they'll have a love of music their whole lives," he said. "I've done music my whole life. I don't know anything else."

Makenzee Valentine, 9, was happy that educator Krystle Gordon made the transfer from Mark Twain to Fremont this year.

"I like our new teacher," Makenzee said. "She's fun and exciting."

Principal Casey Gilles said the new teachers were welcomed after a week of training before school started.

Even the switch to standard student attire - requiring all students to wear red, white or blue polo shirts - was met with little resistance.

"I love them," said Gunner Simeroth, 8. "They're comfortable."

Victor Contreras, 8, elaborated.

"Sometimes, some shirts poke you," he said. "These shirts are smooth."

However, other changes presented some obstacles along the way.

The method of dropping students off and picking them up changed this year, with the driveway shifting to the west side of the school rather than the front.

"It was a little hectic this morning, but parents were very patient," Gilles said. "They realize it's something new."

She said she expects it to function better as the week progresses, as fewer parents look to park and walk their children into the school.

Overall, she said, it was a successful return to school.

"The kids seem very excited and happy," she said.