SPENCER — As Wednesday rolled around, student excitement for the new school year had already begun to wane. But teachers were still going full-throttle.

Students arriving at North Rowan Elementary School on Wednesday morning were greeted with loud music, hugs and brilliant smiles from Nessie Bates.

“Here we go again this morning! Wonderful Wednesday!” she yelled.

Bates clapped, danced and whooped as students got off their buses, coaxing smiles from those still learning to adjust to the early mornings.

And Bates’ infectious excitement extended to other school staff members, as well. For most, 2017-18 looks to be an exciting year.

“We are having a spectacular year so far,” North Elementary Principal Katherine Bryant said.

Wednesday morning was the last of the school’s staggered kindergarten days and the first day for pre-kindergarten students.

This year, the school will start building an outdoor classroom, and students in grades first through fifth will have the opportunity to take field trips from the mountains to the coast.

“We’re excited,” Bryant said. “You can feel it. Something’s different this year.”

— Rebecca Rider