Dustin Townsend and Zayden Zyr prepare to board the school bus in Farmington to W.G. Mallett School Wednesday, Aug. 31, during the first week of school. Zyr said he’s most excited to go back to physical education and art class, where he loves to doodle. Kay Neufeld/Franklin Journal

Daniel Townsend shows off his Avengers-themed backpack while waiting at the bus stop to go to W.G. Mallett School in Farmington Wednesday, Aug. 31, during the first week of school. Next to Daniel are Drake Hawthorne at left, Dustin Townsend, and Zayden Zyr. Kay Neufeld/Franklin Journal