Tulakes Elementary teachers calm first-day jitters in Oklahoma City

Putnam City School District students went back to school on Friday, and the Tulakes campus was hopping as parents dropped off their children, snapped photos with their cellphone cameras and even dried a few tears.

“I'm ready to start learning some new things and seeing my friends,” Brittney said. “It was a fun summer but it's time to go back to school.”

Tyler said he spent his summer swimming and playing with his friends.

“I went to a lot of places and got to do a lot of things,” he said. “But I'm excited to be back and start learning some new things and meeting new friends. That's my favorite part of school.”

His mother, Latasha Wright, said she had specific instructions for her two sons who attend Tulakes.

“I tell them to be on their best behavior,” she said. “Mind their teachers and make sure you listen and follow directions. We want them to have fun but they need to know they're here to learn.”

Kindergarten teacher Debra Clark spent her morning greeting students as they made their way to her classroom. She knew some of her students were likely to be frightened, and part of her job is to make them feel at ease.