Ephrata students return to class as new school year begins
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 hours, 51 minutes AGO
Ephrata High School cheerleaders and football players great Grant Elementary students as they walk into their first day of classes.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
An Ephrata Parkway Intermediate student works on decorating her teacher's door with motivational messages on the first day of school.
Ephrata High School students attend their second period art class Thursday. Their assignment was to answer questions about themselves on a notecard and then create a drawing related to one of their answers on the opposite side.
A Groff Elementary School student receives a hug from one of their teachers on the first day back Thursday.
Ephrata High School students receive their combination locks for their gym lockers Thursday during their second period class.
Students in a science class at Parkway Intermediate School work on filling out paper beakers with information about themselves during their first day back at school Thursday.
Groff Elementary School students grab breakfast before heading to their class for the first day of school Thursday.
Ephrata High School students listen to Mrs. Johns for their second period of the first day of school.
The Parkway Intermediate band class outgrew its room and expanded to take over the gym, instead of the classroom located behind the stage.
Ephrata High School students walk from the 1937 Beezley Annex back to the main campus on the first day of school Thursday.
Groff Elementary School students pose on the bench for their parents to take a picture on the first day back to school.
Ephrata Police Dept. Sergeant Jack McLauchlan poses next to the tiger on the first day of school.
EPHRATA — Hallways filled with students, new backpacks and a mix of excitement and nervous energy Wednesday as Ephrata School District students returned to classrooms for the first day of the 2026-27 school year.
Across the district, principals said they were excited to welcome students back and help them settle into new routines after summer break.
At Ephrata High School, Principal Ashlie Miller said the first day of school remains her favorite day of the year.
"I was just telling one of our teachers that this is my favorite day," Miller said. "They're all confused, they're lost. You can help them with something. They're all sweet. Some are anxious, some are excited, but it's just a fun day."
Miller said she was especially looking forward to helping students find their classes and start the year on the right foot.
The high school expanded its orientation activities before classes began, offering students opportunities to pick up schedules, take school photos, learn about expectations and meet staff. The school also hosted a taco dinner and made PE uniforms available during orientation events.
According to Miller, attendance at orientation activities was higher than in previous years and feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive.
"All of the teachers were just saying that the parents were all very positive and that the students were all very positive and receptive to everything," she said. "I think this year is going to go smoother than last year."
The day before school started, Ephrata High School also hosted its annual freshman orientation led by Link Crew, a student leadership group that helps incoming ninth graders adjust to high school life.
While attendance was lower than expected, Miller said the event still gave freshmen a chance to become familiar with the building and connect with upperclassmen.
Freshmen often bring a unique energy to the start of the school year, she said.
"They're always so glad to get out of middle school," Miller said. "It's new and they're so excited."
For students experiencing first-day jitters, Miller said nervousness is a natural part of growth.
"You cannot grow without anxiety, without nerves, without doing things that make you uncomfortable," she said. "To me, it's a good sign that you're headed in the right direction because you're going to grow from that."
At Grant Elementary School, Principal Shannon Dahl said the transition back to school felt seamless.
"It feels like the kids never left," Dahl said.
One of her favorite parts of the first day is seeing students arrive eager for the year ahead.
"Seeing all their smiles and how happy the kids are in their new clothes, backpacks," she said.
Dahl encouraged students who may feel nervous to "take deep breaths and find a friendly face."
For Parkway Intermediate School Principal Aaron Cummings, the first day carried special significance.
Cummings returned to Parkway this year after previously serving as principal there beginning in 2001. The 2026-27 school year marks his final year before retirement.
"I'm glad kids are back," Cummings said. "That's why we're here, for kids."
He said he's particularly excited to work alongside Parkway's staff and to share the school experience with his granddaughter, who is entering sixth grade.
"It's just great to enjoy that with my kids, and now my grandkids," he said. "It's kind of cool."
Like Miller and Dahl, Cummings acknowledged that some students arrive feeling uneasy about a new school year but stressed that those feelings are normal.
"It's okay to be nervous. I'm nervous too," Cummings said. "Before you know it, it'll be like, that's what we do."
He also reassured students that teachers and staff are ready to help.
"It's okay if you're not sure what you're supposed to be doing right now," he said. "We will help you figure that out."
As buses arrived and classrooms filled Wednesday morning, district leaders said the focus remained on helping students feel welcomed, supported and ready for a successful year ahead.
An Ephrata Parkway Intermediate student works on decorating her teacher's door with motivational messages on the first day of school.
Ephrata High School students attend their second period art class Thursday. Their assignment was to answer questions about themselves on a notecard and then create a drawing related to one of their answers on the opposite side.
A Groff Elementary School student receives a hug from one of their teachers on the first day back Thursday.
Ephrata High School students receive their combination locks for their gym lockers Thursday during their second period class.
Students in a science class at Parkway Intermediate School work on filling out paper beakers with information about themselves during their first day back at school Thursday.
Groff Elementary School students grab breakfast before heading to their class for the first day of school Thursday.
Ephrata High School students listen to Mrs. Johns for their second period of the first day of school.
The Parkway Intermediate band class outgrew its room and expanded to take over the gym, instead of the classroom located behind the stage.
Ephrata High School students walk from the 1937 Beezley Annex back to the main campus on the first day of school Thursday.
Groff Elementary School students pose on the bench for their parents to take a picture on the first day back to school.
Ephrata Police Dept. Sergeant Jack McLauchlan poses next to the tiger on the first day of school.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
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