High hopes, confetti and a milestone help usher-in new school year

Millard Public Schools opened the doors to the new school year Monday – the first day back for thousands of kids.

One school in the district is celebrating a milestone this year – Neihardt is marking its 40th birthday.

More than 650 kids filled the front of school ready to start anew.

Fifth grader Kallie Baxter said, “I'm most excited to learn about my teacher because she's new at the school. And the kids at the school that are new get to learn how to - like, the expectations at school."

Confetti was also on hand Monday to help with the birthday celebration.

Principal Carrie Novotny-Buss said, “Kids are excited. Parents are excited. We did a countdown from 10, and so that's a great way to kick of a great year of learning for our kids."

The principal says this is the sort of celebration that will form a lasting impact for the rest of the year.

“As adults, we have a responsibility to helps kids to model and to help kids see how great learning is, and so when we can start it off this way, it makes the day even better."

If your child hasn't started yet,

to check the schedule for schools around the metro.