First-grader Leanna Hendrix writes in her journal today during class at 'Ahuimanu Elementary Schoo Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Five-year-old Brian Lincks is a little reluctant to start kindergarten orientation as his father, Jack, tries to reassure him at 'Ahuimanu. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

She stood in the echoing hallways of Ahuimanu Elementary, her new school, shifting in her pink and purple slippers near the back of the line. A well-groomed boy with a fresh blue and yellow polo shirt grabbed her pale hand in his and whispered: "If you need any help, just ask me."

Ready or not, summer officially ended with jangle of bells at 8 a.m. for Jessica and the rest of the 480 students at Ahuimanu. Classes resumed at many Hawai'i schools today, although some opened their doors last week.

The kindergartners are the only ones not in class yet. They trickled in today with their moms and dads to interview with their new teachers. Some were scared to death, clinging to their parents as they met their teachers for the first time.

To help them adjust, Ahuimanu Elementary doesn't start its kindergarten classes until next Thursday. Half the students will come in Thursday and the other half will come in Friday. The following Monday will be their first full day together.

But Tara Hibbs may have been more anxious than any of the students — this was her first day teaching kindergarten at Ahuimanu.

"I'm apprehensive because it is a new grade and a new school," she said. "I want to teach the kids what they're supposed to know. It's also getting to know the new school since it is our first year together."

This is all familiar turf for the first-graders who walked today with the confidence of veteran students. Some towed heavy backpacks filled with school supplies, while others made Spiderman fashion statements. The comic book hero was on T-shirts and backpacks everywhere.

One of the new first-grader's eyes looked puffy, although his hair had been carefully tousled with gel. Another new first-grader, Jordan, grinned, saying, "Lucky thing I'm good to be here!"

He then tells you all about the Papio on his new shirt and how it was bigger than his body.