First Day Is A Family Affair

Robby Weigle’s brown hair was sprayed into place. His miniature hiking boots were brand-new.

“There’s lots of tread on there, see it?” he asked holding up a foot.

Five-year-old Robby was ready for his three-block walk to kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary.

He was one of an estimated 30,400 students who showed up for the first day in Spokane School District 81 on Tuesday. The district’s head count was not as exact as usual because of computer trouble.

Slight enrollment growth at elementary, middle and high schools will mean some shifting of teachers at some schools. But district officials won’t make any readjustments until next week when more students traditionally return from vacation.

Robby was not about to miss the very first day.

His walk to school resembled a parade.

He held hands with his 78-year-old great-grandmother, Cessy Havey, who came from La Canada, Calif., to help walk him to school.

Behind them strolled Robby’s parents, Scott and Betsy Weigle, and his grandfather, Tom Havey. His brother, 2-year-old Eric, rode in a stroller.

“This family makes big to-dos over everything,” said Cessy Havey.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo; Graphic: “School enrollment”