Wave upon wave of students and parents flooded into schools around Albert Lea Tuesday morning as the district started school for the year.

First-grader Samantha Erickson was ready to start music class again.

“I like singing,” she said before heading into Hawthorne Elementary School for the day.

Hawthorne school counselor Grace Pfeifer said they chose “Get in the game” as their theme for the school year, as teachers and students stepped up to be part of the Hawthorne team.

This is second-grader Rhianna Greiner’s first year at Hawthorne after attending Sibley last year. She was a little nervous to start a new school, she said, since she had nice teachers at Sibley. She said her teacher at Hawthorne also seemed nice.

“All the teachers are excited,” education assistant Nikole Guion said. “They’ve been working really hard.”

In a welcome email from Superintendent Mike Funk, he mentioned the year will see a continued expansion of the district’s ConnectED technology initiative as well as steps toward improving the athletic facilities.

Hawthorne Elementary School Principal John Mahal said he is looking forward to a great year.

Mahal is one of two new building principals, also including Chris Dibble at Southwest Middle School. Dibble made the transition from his previous position as dean of students at Albert Lea High School.

“The excitement is definitely there, I mean not only by the students but you can feel the parents are also really excited, excited for their students to have a great year.” Mahal said Tuesday morning. “And that’s what we’re going to do. Have a great year with everybody.”

First days in the area

Albert Lea: Aug. 21

Lake Mills: Thursday

Northwood-Kensett: Monday

NRHEG: Sept. 4

United South Central: Sept. 4

Glenville-Emmons: Sept. 4 (high school) and Sept. 5 (elementary school)

Alden-Conger: Sept. 4 (grades 6-12) and Sept. 6 (grades K-5)