The first day of school: Bells, bikes, buses and big feelings

It's Labor Day, marking the end of summer and the start of a new school year. About 54 million students across the country are heading back to classrooms. Some are familiar, while others are completely new.

NPR reporters visited four schools to capture the feelings of the first day: the nerves, the excitement, the traditions, and even some tears.

Los Angeles, Calif.

At Micheltorena Street Elementary, Principal Nichole Sakellarion started a tradition 11 years ago. She welcomes kindergarteners a day early to help them adjust.

Sakellarion said this helps students feel more connected and makes their day smoother. It also helps them handle the big emotions of starting somewhere new.

New kindergarteners are paired with fifth-grade "toolbox coaches." These coaches mentor them all year. On the first day, they walk the younger students from the gates to their teachers.

Noemi Ulloa, a 10-year-old fifth grader, remembers feeling shy when she started at the school. This inspired her to become a coach. She believes she can help kindergarteners manage their emotions.

Gerald Gomez-Reina, another fifth grader, explained some "tools" they teach. These include deep breaths or "garbage can," which means throwing away sad or mad feelings.

Noemi gave out name tags. Gerald then led students to their cubbies, rug spots, and desks. He even offered his toy, Rocket the Raccoon, to help calm nerves.

The next morning, many of the same faces returned for the official start of school. Parents waved goodbye, some with tears.

Sakellarion noted that almost no kindergarteners cried that day. They entered the gates hand-in-hand with their fifth-grade buddies, starting their new school year.

Edmond, Okla.

In Edmond, about 25 students and parents met at a park. They were preparing to ride their bikes to Will Rogers Elementary.

This group uses "pedal power" instead of buses or cars. It's called a bike bus.

They meet once a week to ride together. Families started this a few years ago, inspired by similar efforts in Oregon. The goal is to encourage kids to bike.

First grader Hayden Raupe rode his bike past a long line of cars. He said biking is better because you don't have to wait. His brother, third grader Owen Raupe, added, "I'm like, you guys should've biked!"

Beaverton, Ore.

Beaverton High School, near Portland, moved into a new building this year. It features a new theater and LED screens in the gym.

Despite the newness, the school's 110-year-old bell rang to mark the first day. Its familiar sound echoed through the maze-like hallways as students found their way.

Principal Andrew Kearl wanted the school to feel warm, not sterile. Special education teacher Leah Baird's classroom has adjustable lights that start soft. This helps students with sensory needs.

Baird also has natural light from large windows, which she didn't have before. Outside her classroom, a colorful mosaic helps students find their way. She tells them to look for the sea turtle.

Sophomore Andrew Perez said he was getting used to the new building. He felt intimidated at first because it was so big. But once inside, he found it warm and liked the colors.

Charles City County, Va.

At Charles City Elementary, a red carpet welcomed kids off the bus. This public elementary school has classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as older students. For some, it's their very first time in school.

Kelly Orrell is in her eleventh year of teaching preschool there. She said the first day often involves tears and apprehension.

After breakfast, she read The Kissing Hand, a book about a raccoon afraid to go to school. She asked her class if anyone was scared or nervous. Many called back, "Me! Me!"

First days are emotional for parents too. Charles City Elementary held its annual "boo-hoo breakfast" for parents to share their feelings.

Jovan Howard attended after dropping off his 4-year-old son, Nolan, for preschool. He felt better than he expected. He was excited for Nolan, who was also excited.