Community Education

First day brings jitters and smiles for Peninsula School District students

Hunter Town was all smiles as he posed with his family Wednesday outside Vaughn Elementary for a back-to-school photo. He looked less than enthusiastic a little later as he and other students settled into Beth Harrison’s first grade classroom.

Not to worry. Emilie Marchio, his kindergarten teacher from last year, was there to encourage Hunter and welcome him to a new school year. 

Hunter Town, a first grade student at Vaughn Elementary School, gets encouragement from his former kindergarten teacher Emilie Marchio on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, the first day of classes in Peninsula School District. Photo by Christina T. Henry

Peninsula School District students in grades 1 through 12 started the 2026-27 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Kindergarteners will start Tuesday, Sept. 8, after the Labor Day weekend.  

“I am super excited,” said Vaughn Principal Kelli DeMonte. “This is my third year here at Vaughn. We have developed and strengthened a lot of our systems to support kids both academically, and socially and emotionally. So, year three, we’re rolling up our sleeves and ready to dig in. Our staff has spent a good amount of time in August prepping for all of the great things we’re going to do for kids.” 

Vaughn Elementary School Deputy Principal Nikki Opel gives student Sophie Charleston a Husky Paw reward slip for helping another student remember their sweater on the bus. Slips can be turned in for prizes. Photo by Christina T. Henry

Cheyenne Harris, mother of third grader Hartley Allen, shared her feelings about the new school year. “You know, a little anxious, but I think she is going to love it. She thinks she’s going to really appreciate her teacher and is looking forward to seeing all her friends again this school year.” 

Hartley said she was feeling “happy” and is most excited about math.

Vaughn Elementary, home of the Huskies, serves just more than 300 students in preschool through fifth grade on the Key Peninsula. It is one of 17 schools in the district, including 10 elementary schools, four middle schools, two comprehensive high schools and an alternative high school. Peninsula serves 9,161 students, according to its website.