First day of school at Silver Beach Elementary

August 31, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Third-grader Hazel Starck hugs principal Teri Herda on the first day of school Aug. 31 at Silver Beach Elementary in Bellingham. — Third-grader Hazel Starck hugs principal Teri Herda on the first day of school Aug. 31 at Silver Beach Elementary in Bellingham. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Third-grader Jenna Dawson gets a bird's eye view of the new playground near the top of a spinning rope tower Aug. 31 at Silver Beach Elementary in Bellingham. — Third-grader Jenna Dawson gets a bird's eye view of the new playground near the top of a spinning rope tower Aug. 31 at Silver Beach Elementary in Bellingham. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Second grader Maggie Palmer plays a xylophone on the new inclusive playground. — Second grader Maggie Palmer plays a xylophone on the new inclusive playground. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

To welcome students on the first day of school, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) Rayna Brandon ties balloons out front at Silver Beach Elementary. — To welcome students on the first day of school, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) Rayna Brandon ties balloons out front at Silver Beach Elementary. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

As students head into the building, Jon Falcon spins daughter Amelia one more time in the new inclusive playground before classes start. — As students head into the building, Jon Falcon spins daughter Amelia one more time in the new inclusive playground before classes start. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Roman Larsen gives mom Taffy a hug as husband Jacob and daughter Sierra head to another classroom on the first day of school. — Roman Larsen gives mom Taffy a hug as husband Jacob and daughter Sierra head to another classroom on the first day of school. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Grant Gunderson photographs his son Stian and a friend at the new playground before leaving. — Grant Gunderson photographs his son Stian and a friend at the new playground before leaving. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

After the bell rings for classes to begin, Espen Turner gets in one more ride down the new slide on the first day of school. Students were exploring the new inclusive playground. — After the bell rings for classes to begin, Espen Turner gets in one more ride down the new slide on the first day of school. Students were exploring the new inclusive playground. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Students at Silver Beach Elementary headed back to school Thursday, Aug. 31 in Bellingham and explored a brand-new inclusive playground. New elements were added for students with disabilities with a rubber-tiled ground surface part of the revamp.