Tuesday morning, Feb. 9, was a big day in the annals of the Piedmont public school system: Kindergartners were welcomed back to campus after spending the first six months of the 2020-21 school year in distance learning mode. For most students, this is the first time they’ve met their teachers and classmates in person.
Exedra photographer Julie Reichle was at the gates of Havens to chronicle the moment.
Crossing guards helped kids and parents get to school safely on the first day of school 
Principal Anne Dolid and a kindergarten teacher welcome the students 
Kindergartners line up to be checked in for Ms. Thomas’ class 
A kindergartner poses for a photo on the first day of school 
Ian Stock is the first in line for Ms. Thomas’ class
Principal Anne Dolid comforts a new student
Milan Bilas at Havens on the first day of kindergarten. (Photo courtesy of Traci Bilas)
The morning was gray but that didn’t seem to dampen the excitement 
A young girl poses with a sign: “First day of in person kindergarten” 
Parents with big smiles leave Havens after drop-off 
Ms. Thomas greets a new student 
Holding hands just prior to drop-off
Great photos Julie. You really captured this moment in time so thoughtfully.