Long before the first bell rang, Gerald Elementary School was buzzing with activity. 

Many students visited the cafeteria for breakfast. There they encountered old friends and past teachers who were greeted with squeals and hugs.

Most teachers posted in their classrooms to welcome students to their new home for the school year. All other staff were in the hallways and other public areas to provide assistance to students who seemed to need help. 

Kindergarten students were rounded up in small groups and taught their first lesson of the day-—how to walk single file, in a straight line—enroute to their new teacher and classroom. 

New principal Brad Royle spent his first official morning also in the hallways greeting and encouraging both staff and students. 

While students were certainly excited to be back at school, it was a mostly calm and orderly atmosphere. 

There is some new artwork on display in the main hallway, where old photos of past eighth grade classes once hung. The transition that began a couple of years ago to remove reminders of the school’s Gerald Rebel history has now been completed. Everything in the school now reflects the Dutchmen mascot theme and colors. Probably only the older people in the community even notice the change. 

The students are focused on their school and creating their own memories.