Rainy Start to the School Year in Perkiomen Valley

While some of Perkiomen Valley's young students had eyes shining with excitement as they arrived for their first day of school, some battled jitters and summertime longings as they also braved the morning downpour Tuesday.

One sophomore named "friends" as the better part of coming back to school, and the surrounding students who chatted and excitedly embraced each other appeared to agree.

Red House Principal Sean Berk said he was excited for the new school year and was looking forward to the coming months.

Principal Kim Minor was similarly enthusiastic about the 2011-12 school year.

"I think this is going to be the best year ever at Evergreen," she said.

The elementary students facing their first day included kindergarteners whose parents walked them to the school's front doors and took pictures for the occasion.

Cassidy Brewer, whose older siblings are also at Evergreen, said she was excited to start kindergarten and that she was looking forward to playing, or "recess."

Although there was a teary face or two among the students, a handful of parents were also misty-eyed as their children embarked on their new life chapter.