The start of the Amador County 08/09 school year went off without a hitch yesterday, with most schools reporting none of the usual problems such as parking lot traffic jams and long waits at drop off points. Most children found their way to assigned classrooms or first class, and of course, most were decked out in their new school outfits and backpacks. Tom Reed, Pine Grove Elementary Principal, noted the kids “looking scrubbed and clean” while quietly listening to their teachers as they took roll call and went over classroom rules. “Everything went really well (this morning),” says Reed, “the kids are excited to be here.” At Pioneer Elementary, things went “awesome” except for a slight slowdown after school due to road construction in the area. And down at Ione Elementary, the morning went “quite well.” At Amador High School, Principal Al VanVelzen reported that the first day of school was “really smooth. The kids seemed to be happy coming back. Classes are a little larger, but it all worked out.” Also, VanVelzen thought “the kids liked starting a little later.” All Amador school start times changed this year. Check with your school for specific start and end times.