Students heading back to school

Courtesy photo

Amethyst Galvan made her first appearance as a kindergarten student at Cameo Elementary, while Tim Galvan entered first grade at Cameo.

Staff Writer

[email protected]

For Monique Gonzales, getting her kids ready for their first day of school was when she noticed the nerves set in — her nerves, not theirs.

Classes were back in session for Clovis schools on Monday. In some cases, the first day of school was as much an adjustment for parents as it was for students.

Gonzales’ 5-year-old, Amethyst Galvan, started kindergarten at Cameo Elementary School, while her 6-year-old, Tim Galvan, started first grade. The day began with an early rise and some first-day photos.

“I was surprised,” Gonzales said. “I thought they wouldn’t want to wake up or go. They were up at 6 a.m. and ready to go. I was more nervous and felt sick to my stomach. I was just wondering, ‘How are they going to do at school?’ It was mixed emotions because I was so excited and at the same time, so sad.”

Gonzales said this is the first time she’s had both children out of the house for school. She could even sense the confusion from her toddler who was left without siblings for the day.

“My 2-year-old was looking around, not knowing where her brother and sister were,” Gonzales said. “It’s something we all have to really adjust to. I’m not used to it yet.”

Gonzales said the comfort came in knowing her kids have each other at school and are only a year apart.

“At least knowing they’re together makes me feel better,” Gonzales said. “And it helps them both want to go to school.”

Despite the adjustments, Gonzales said the kids’ first days were both successful.

“The teachers said they had no problems,” she said. “They loved it and had a good day. I’m really glad.”

For Amethyst, making new friends should be a piece of cake, especially when you have cake to offer. Her fifth birthday is today, which she plans to celebrate during her second day of school.

“She wants to bring cupcakes for everyone,” Gonzales said. “She’s looking forward to that.”

No matter how old the student, there might always be first-day jitters. Clovis High School Freshman Denise Falks, 15, knows the feeling.

“I think I was nervous in the morning because I didn’t have classes with some of my close friends,” Falks said. “But I was excited to meet new people.”

Not only did she meet new people, but she also got to reconnect with friends she hadn’t seen all summer.

“And my teachers were really cool,” Falks said.

After a successful first day of school, Falks said she’s looking forward to her earth science class the most.

“I like learning about the way things are designed,” she said, “chemicals and the way they react and stuff.”

Clovis Municipal Schools Superintendent Jody Balch said the first day overall “went well.”

“I made it to all the elementary schools,” Balch said. “Things were going fine. Kids were in class, teachers were teaching, breakfast was being served in the morning. It looked busy.”

Balch said he sensed some apprehension from students, but with more excitement than nerves.

He said his goal for this school year is “to educate our kids to the fullest.”