ROCKFORD (WREX) — A lot of our loyal viewers remember Julian Bayne from our Friday Fun at Home segments with his dad, Derek Bayne, back in 2020 during the pandemic. Five years later, he's starting fourth grade.

As he walks down the driveway and makes his way to the bus stop, Julian is ready to take on the new school year.

"I'm feeling excited because I get to see my friends again and learn more stuff," he said.

But it's not all excitement.

"It's like a mix of excitement and nervous," he added.

Those feelings are natural on the first day. As this new 4th grader gets ready to take on a big endeavor this school year.

"The 40 Book Challenge. You have to read 40 chapter books in the whole year," Julian explains.

The first day of school is also a time for parents to reflect, thinking ba

See Full Page