School is back in session for Turlock students who woke up bright and early Monday morning, grabbed their backpacks and sack lunches, and trekked off to their respective schools to begin a brand new academic year.

And despite the early school hours after a long summer of sleeping in, (most) students were happy to be back in the classroom.

“I am excited to be back,” said Jesse Hernandez, 2nd grader at Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy.  “I look forward to learning more and make new friends along the way.”

The excitement of the first day of school masked the sleepiness of most students, but even through the thrill of starting a new year, students were having a hard time waking up so early.

“I had to wake up at 7 a.m.,” said Hernandez.  “I am so tired.  I am not use to waking up so early.”

Despite Hernandez’s heavy lids, he still managed to adapt into his new big kid on campus role and grab some energy from lunch to keep the day going.

As parents were happy to have their kids start another productive year of school, others were fighting back the tears the moment they dropped off their young ones to their first day of kindergarten.

“I didn’t think I would get this emotional,” said Erica Puente as she said goodbye to her son Adan.  “My little boy is finally grown up.”

While Puente lingered outside her son’s classroom with tears in her eyes, other parents waited anxiously for the doors to open and their kids’ learning adventure to begin anew.

“I am grateful to have my grandson attend Osborn and learn Spanish,” said Kaylene Mortensen, grandmother of kindergarten student Carter Vannest.  “He will learn the necessary skills to be successful in life.”