Eyewitness News was on campus Wednesday morning to help welcome students back, and to make the moment even more special, student ballet folklórico and mariachi groups were there to kick off the day with music and dancing!
Edison Elementary in Anaheim brings out student ballet folklórico group for first day of school
"It's just really nice to see them come back to their second home," said Principal Suzanne Nichols.
Edison is one of 23 schools in the Anaheim Elementary School District, which is the largest elementary school in the state of California.
Every school offers a dual language immersion (DLI) program where students can learn Mandarin, Korean, or Spanish.
"In second grade, we do 30% of English and 70% of Spanish," explained Cynthia Pruitt, a 2nd grade dual language teacher. "They have the basics in phonics, and then by the end of the school year, most of my students are reading above grade level in both languages, too."
This year, Spanish dual language immersion will be new for 6th graders at Edison.
"It's great to learn two languages because when I was little, I didn't know any Spanish, and then my teacher helped me and my other teachers, so now I know a lot of Spanish and English, and now that helps because my mom doesn't know English, so I have to translate for her a lot," said Yamileth Cendejas, an Edison 6th grader.
Plus, a new research innovation center is providing a wellness space, STEM center and an extended learning program for students.
It serves as a place for kids to go after school, offering help with homework assignments, a place for music, dance, art, learning and it even offers snacks as late at 6 p.m.
The first day of school can be tough on some children and parents after the summer break, so teachers say it's best to get them back on a routine early and shorten that screen time.
As students head back to school, ABC7 wants to see your first-day-of-school photos! Teachers can also share a shoutout to their students ahead of the school year with a horizontal video. Submit them now here and you might just see them on Eyewitness News mornings.
READ MORE | Share Back to School pics and videos with Eyewitness News!