Education

See photos from the first day of school + when kids return to class in Sacramento region

By Bee staff

Navigator Elementary School in Rancho Cordova literally rolled out the red carpet for the return of its students Tuesday, with teachers and staff cheering them from both sides.

The school is part of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the earliest starting large district in the Sacramento region (aside from the year-round schedule of some of Elk Grove Unified’s elementary schools). But with early start dates in vogue, more than half of the region’s students will be in class by Thursday.

The biggest holdouts? Twin Rivers Unified, which starts on Aug. 17, and Sacramento City Unified, which doesn’t start until Aug. 31.

Velina Siewell, 4, a student at Navigator Elementary School, leads her brothers Michael Barajas, 6, and Jaxon Siewell, 1, and mother Trina Barajas as they arrive Tuesday for the first day of school in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
Velina Siewell, 4, a student at Navigator Elementary School, leads her brothers Michael Barajas, 6, and Jaxon Siewell, 1, and mother Trina Barajas as they arrive Tuesday for the first day of school in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Riley, a student at Navigator Elementary in Rancho Cordova, high fives teacher Emily O’Brien on Tuesday as staff welcome returning students back from summer vacation with a red carpet treatment.
Riley, a student at Navigator Elementary in Rancho Cordova, high fives teacher Emily O’Brien on Tuesday as staff welcome returning students back from summer vacation with a red carpet treatment. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Savannah, left, a student at Navigator Elementary School, hugs teacher Elizabeth Johnson on the first day back to school Tuesday.
Savannah, left, a student at Navigator Elementary School, hugs teacher Elizabeth Johnson on the first day back to school Tuesday. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Amir, who said he’d like to be known as “SSSVVRRRR” and be a baker like his mother when he grows up, eats breakfast at Navigator Elementary School on Tuesday. The Folsom Cordova Unified School District served more than three million free meals last year.
Amir, who said he’d like to be known as “SSSVVRRRR” and be a baker like his mother when he grows up, eats breakfast at Navigator Elementary School on Tuesday. The Folsom Cordova Unified School District served more than three million free meals last year. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Lillyanna, a student at Navigator Elementary, eats breakfast with other students Tuesday during the first first day back to school. Folsom Cordova Unified School District served more than three million free meals last year.
Lillyanna, a student at Navigator Elementary, eats breakfast with other students Tuesday during the first first day back to school. Folsom Cordova Unified School District served more than three million free meals last year. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Navigator Elementary Principal James Tucker helps Amir walk down the red carpet on his first first day back to school Tuesday. The school's name is a reference to the Air Force flight navigators who once served at Mather Airport nearby.
Navigator Elementary Principal James Tucker helps Amir walk down the red carpet on his first first day back to school Tuesday. The school's name is a reference to the Air Force flight navigators who once served at Mather Airport nearby. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Eliana, a student at Navigator Elementary, sheds a tear as she leaves her family on the first first day of school Tuesday. Students were greeted with a red carpet welcome by staff and principal James Tucker in front of the Rancho Cordova school.
Eliana, a student at Navigator Elementary, sheds a tear as she leaves her family on the first first day of school Tuesday. Students were greeted with a red carpet welcome by staff and principal James Tucker in front of the Rancho Cordova school. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Shana Merceron, center, helps her son Elisha put on his shoes as sister Norah waits on the first day back to school at Navigator Elementary on Tuesday.
Shana Merceron, center, helps her son Elisha put on his shoes as sister Norah waits on the first day back to school at Navigator Elementary on Tuesday. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Kashis Lawson, 5, a student at Navigator Elementary, laughs with friends Tuesday as they have breakfast on the first day back to school.
Kashis Lawson, 5, a student at Navigator Elementary, laughs with friends Tuesday as they have breakfast on the first day back to school. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com

This story was originally published August 9, 2023 at 5:30 AM.

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