Omaha’s Upchurch Elementary School kicks off the 2024-2025 year

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Three districts in Omaha kicked off their year Thursday morning.

Teachers, kids, and parents rejoice.

“It’s one of my favorite times of the year -- to welcome our students back,” Lindsey Harrahill, Principal at Upchurch Elementary School, said.

Students swarmed the halls at Millard Public Schools’ Upchurch Elementary for the 2024-2025 year -- and starting off with plenty of pomp and circumstance. This celebration was a community effort.

“We had our dance team from Millard South, some baseball players from West and South as well, our band going, our dance team,” Harrahill said. “We wanted to make it a really special morning for our kids here at Upchurch.”

Emotions are running high for students -- some who are going to school for the first time.

“I’m nervous. I’m in third grade. Our school is awesome,” Alaya Benton, third grader, said.

Some are excited to reunite with friends and take classes with their favorite teachers.

“This year for school I am very excited for math and learning,” Ella Chapman, fourth grader, said.

Parents and guardians are also joining in on the fun.

“That parent involvement is so critical in the success of our children here,” Harrahill said. “Our parents volunteer all the time. They show up. They support our community so we are just so blessed to have them.”

Harrahill says she’s looking forward to unveiling some new partnerships for the school year in the coming months.

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