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By Meg Wochnick, Columbian staff writer

Published: August 21, 2021, 6:03am

4 Photos

Kindergarten teacher Chelsea Hendryx shows incoming kindergartner Hakeem Hardnett, how to use the swings during recess at Hazel Dell Elementary School as part of Vancouver Public Schools' Jump Start program. Roughly 900 students across the distric attended Jump Start, a two-week program for students to familiarize themselves with rules and routines of school. (Roberto Rodriguez for The Columbian) Photo Gallery

A new school year begins Aug. 31 in Vancouver Public Schools, and incoming Hazel Dell Elementary kindergartner Gavin Bethell can’t wait.

The first day of school also has an alternative name for Bethell — Bus Day.

“I’m excited to go on a school bus,” the 5-year-old said, “because I’ve never been on one before.