Some students ran into school, not looking back. Others were more cautious about their return after the summer off as Northside and Kootenai elementaries welcomed students on the first day of school Tuesday.

Standing beneath an inflatable rainbow arch outside Kootenai Elementary School, Principal Jennifer Bicandi smiled as students jumped excitedly after telling them who their new teachers would be.  

"This is the most amazing time," said Bicandi. "It's when all the feelings come together and it reminds you why you do all of this." 

Parents and children made their way to classrooms with school supplies in hand, where teachers awaited their arrival. 

Whether students were shy or eager to be back, teachers like Lori Bopp, a first-grade teacher at Kootenai, say they look forward to seeing their students grow.  

"When they're in first grade, they're maybe still learning their letters or just beginning to read," said Bopp. "By the end of the year, they're reading short stories and they're writing paragraphs." 

Bopp, who has taught at Kootenai Elementary for 14 years, said that the first days of school are marked by a welcoming spirit, as older students help new and younger students find their classrooms and teachers reunite. 

At Northside Elementary, Principal Colleen Watson said she is excited to welcome back both new and returning students. 

"I can't wait to meet all of our new families that will complete the puzzle this year," said Watson. 

Likening Northside Elementary to a "close-knit family," Watson said this school year will have one class for each grade level. 

"Most of our teachers get to be everybody's teacher," said Watson. "Everybody's on board, everybody's helping them with whatever they need, getting them the best education they can." 

Watson said she is excited for changes coming to the school, including piloting an outdoor physical education program for fourth and fifth graders and installing new playground equipment. 

Chris and Nicole Leeper recently moved from New Mexico to Sandpoint, drawn by the area's nature and the small community. This year will mark their son Kade's first year attending Kootenai Elementary. 

"We were looking for a way of life that we wanted our children to experience, and this fit everything that we looked at," said Chris Leeper. 

The couple watched Kade and his 4-year-old sister, Evelyn, bound across the playground.  

Although the move has brought many changes for Kade, he said was excited for school to start so he could make new friends. 

When asked about his favorite subject, the incoming second grader didn't hesitate. 

"Lunch," he said.