BRAINERD — A fall-like chill hung in the air as rain clouds welcomed students to the first day of school in Brainerd.

Kids flocked to Harrison Elementary School in southeast Brainerd, clad in raincoats and hooded sweatshirts and carrying umbrellas. They walked, ran and scootered up to the front doors of the school, some more eager than others to get the school year rolling.

Several kids excitedly looked forward to another year of recess with their friends, while parents were happy to be back in a routine.

“I’m feeling like it’s going to be a great year for all the kids in school this year,” Ashley Yarbrough said while dropping off daughter Amara Mosley for her first day of third grade.

Fourth grader Kinsley Torgerson couldn’t wait to see all her friends for her last year in elementary

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