CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Students from Jodie Cheff's first-grade class made their way to the playground yesterday on the first day back at school for students at Waialae Elementary Public Charter School. About 310 of the school's 400 students began classes, with the remaining 90 kindergarten students to begin Monday after assessment testing.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
James Whittingham, 7, read along to a song being sung in Sheryl Nixt's first-grade class.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Teia O'Malley and Jonah Chong, both 6, answered with gestures during a discussion of playground rules.

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Cessna Spear, 6, enthusiastically raised her hand to participate in an activity in Nixt's class.