Despite dark clouds and light rain, they arrived with bright smiles.

At Manoa Elementary School — one of 53 public schools starting classes today — students showed up early with new clothes and sneakers, freshly-cut hair and eager attitudes.
“We pick out clothes and put everything together the night before,” said Lynda Agena, of Salt Lake, a mother of three whose youngest child started fourth grade today.
“We put everything in the car the night before because it gets crazy in the morning, what with traffic and everything.”
The Agenas weren’t the only family heading out the door early. Most parents said they left about 15 to 30 minutes earlier to make sure their kids got to their first day on time.
While traffic is a big concern, most parents are also concerned about health issues this year with the spread of swine flu.
Most parents said they reviewed coughing and sneezing procedures with their children, to help them stay healthy and to stop spreading germs.
Cari Yamafuji said she told her second-grader to cough in his sleeve and wash his hands after coughing or sneezing.
Manoa Elementary Principal Jeanette Uyeda said information is posted in every classroom about flu safety and the importance of washing hands.
Most parents said they were satisfied with the school’s safety procedures.