A little rain wasn’t about to dampen the spirits of eager young Hampton Bays Elementary School students on the first day of classes this year.

More than 800 children arrived at the school on Tuesday morning, September 4, raring to get started on the 2012-2013 school year. Some came with their parents or other caregivers, while some rode their bikes or walked alone or in groups, while still others took the bus. But all were greeted with smiles by members of the Hampton Bays Elementary School staff when they arrived on campus, ready to learn.

For the new kindergartners, Tuesday was an exciting first day on their own. As expected, there were a few who were a bit apprehensive about the adventurous new day, but their frowns quickly turned to smiles when it came time to enjoy breakfast or settle in with new friends. And despite the gloomy weather, the looks on the children’s faces were sunny as they headed into their new classrooms, ready to start a whole new year of learning.