Griffin (left), a second grader, and Grayer (right), a junior kindergarten student, pose for a portrait in front of Alburnett Elementary School. Aug. 25th marked the first day of the 2025-26 school year for area schools, including Alburnett Community School District.

Third grader Brynnlei Mesch poses for a portrait in front of Alburnett Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 25. Monday marked the first day of the 2025-26 school year for Alburnett Community School District (Shaely Odean/Linn News).

From left, Griffin, 7; Lincoln, 9; Fiona, 5; and Ronin Sparks, 11, pose for a portrait in front of Alburnett Middle School. Monday marked the first day of the 2025-26 school year for Alburnett Community School District (Shaely Odean/Linn News).