‘One of the most amazing days of the year’: Bakersfield students get a big back-to-school welcome

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Excitement filled the air along with balloons, signs and selfies as students made their way back to the classroom at two East Bakersfield schools. School is back in session at Chipman Junior High and Eissler Elementary .

“First day back is probably one of the most amazing days of the year,” Chipman Junior High School Principal Tomas Prieto said.

Principal Melissa Mabry with Eissler Elementary said, “I love the energy and the excitement that comes with the first day in general.”

Chipman Junior High opened in 1969. The school was picked as one of the California Department of Education`s California Distinguished Schools. Principal Prieto wants to keep it that way with a message to the new 7th grade Chipman Chargers.

“Summer is over,” said Prieto. “I’m pretty sure you had a very relaxing schedule after the last two months-and-a-half. It’s down to business. We don’t have very much time with you.”

Chipman Junior High’s robotics teams made it to the VEX Robotics World Championships last year. Prieto wants students to continue to focus on the fast paced, technology-driven future. “One hundred eighty days sounds like a lot, but in reality it’s a really short amount of time and we want to maximize every single moment of that,” said Prieto.

Eissler Elementary opened in 1965. The school welcomed new principal Melissa Mabry to lead the Eagles. She was vice principal at Chipman Junior High before.

“I love to see the kids when they see last year’s teacher as well and they go up to them and give them a great big hug,” said Principal Mabry. “To me that says we’re doing something right here.”

It’s the very first day of school for Ezekiel Valdovinos. Ezekiel’s dad, Michael, said his son was just a tad bit anxious on his first day of school, but he’s dropping him off on the first day to support his little boy for reaching a new milestone.

“A little nervous once we got here, but up to the build up buying clothes and getting ready to come, he was excited,” Valdovinos said.

There are new students, new leaders, and a new legacy in 2024-2025 as the school bell signals the start of 180 days of greatness.

Mabry wants to teach the golden rule to her little Eagles at Eissler Elementary. “Just be kind. Find somebody and be kind to them. I think if we all focused on that the world would be a lot better place,” said Mabry.

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