A line extends along one wing Monday night, Aug. 26, as families await the open house at Spruce Mountain Elementary School in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

JAY — On Monday evening, Aug. 26, a line extended the length of the building as families arrived for the open house at Spruce Mountain Elementary School.

When the doors opened, Principal Pat St. Clair stood just outside them to greet students and their families. Some students gave him hugs while other attendees chose a fist bump or handshake greeting.

Principal Pat St. Clair, center rear welcomes a parent Monday evening, Aug. 26, to the open house at Spruce Mountain Elementary School in Jay. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser

Once inside, families eagerly made their way towards student classrooms, often stopping along the way to say hello to a former teacher or staff member.

Each classroom was set up a bit differently but every student had a desk with a colorful name tag on it. Some desks also had work folders or other items on them. Students were also tasked with completing a scavenger hunt with treats and goodie bags among the prizes provided for completing it.

“What a nice turn out this is,” staff member Kimberly Cote said. “This is wonderful.”

Mom Josie Metivier and daughter Avery Metivier look at items on daughter Evelynn Metivier’s desk Monday night, Aug. 26, during the open house at Spruce Mountain Elementary School in Jay. The family from Livermore was eager to learn more about Miss Bessey’s third grade classroom. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser