For most of us, the first weeks of kindergarten are a blur of oversized backpacks, crayons, and the exciting mix of nerves and wonder that comes with stepping into school for the first time. At North Side Primary Center, two new Tigers—five-year-olds Ocean Hart and Leon Porritt—are living that adventure right now. With the help of their teachers and Assistant Principal Mrs. Marshall, who sat in to cheer them on, they shared what their early days had been like.

Both children are settling into their new routines, and they are quick to point out what they like most. Ocean beams when she talks about math. “Two plus two is four,” she announced proudly, before adding with confidence, “One plus two is three.” For Leon, the fun extends from classroom learning to lunchtime. “I like my lunchbox food and the school food too,” he said, before quickly adding that recess is also high on the list.

The excitement of learning is clear. Letters, numbers, and the alphabet are already becoming part of their world, and Leon explained that he’s even learned the meaning of “equal” in math. “If two numbers are the same, that means equal. If two numbers aren’t the same, that means they’re different.” He might be just weeks into kindergarten, but his understanding is growing by the day.

Both Ocean and Leon arrived with some preschool experience, which has helped them make the transition. Still, starting kindergarten felt big at first. Leon admitted he was a little scared in the beginning. “I didn’t cry,” he said firmly, “but I was scared. Now I’m pretty good at this.” With 23 days behind them, the routines feel familiar, the classrooms feel safe, and friendships are beginning to take root.

Those friendships mean a lot. Leon mentioned classmates by name, including one he says wants to be his girlfriend—though he quickly clarified, “We don’t really have girlfriends in school, so she’s not really my girlfriend.” He laughed, a reminder of how quickly kindergartners begin navigating the tricky but sweet business of friendships.

Each has already developed favorite parts of their classrooms. Ocean is in Mrs. Beaupre’s class, where Pete the Cat is the mascot. “We read a lot of Pete the Cat books,” she said, before breaking into the familiar refrain, “I love my white shoes.” Leon is in Mrs. Arview’s class, where he enjoys the variety of activities and the chance to do “a lot of fun things.” Coloring, math, and time outside all get a thumbs-up from both.

Their teachers, they say, are what make kindergarten special. Ocean kept her review simple: “She’s so nice.” Leon agreed, adding that his teacher makes learning fun. Mrs. Marshall, who was present during the interview, said the children’s enthusiasm reflects how much effort their teachers put into making those first weeks welcoming and memorable.

Like most kindergartners, Ocean and Leon are also full of big dreams. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, Leon answered quickly: “A scientist.” Ocean couldn’t pick just one. “I want to be a doctor and a vet,” she said, explaining that she would like to care for both people and pets.

The conversation was sprinkled with the kind of delightful honesty only five-year-olds can provide. Ocean’s favorite food? “Tacos and burgers,” she said without hesitation. Leon leaned toward “candy, Cheez-Its, and Lunchables.” Both agreed that Christmas is their favorite holiday, which didn’t surprise Mrs. Marshall. “It’s usually Christmas,” she said with a smile, listening as they described the games and presents they look forward to each year.

Perhaps the most endearing moments came when they were asked what advice they would give about being kind. Ocean’s answer was simple: “Don’t mess with people.”Leon’s was sweeter still: “Be nice. Give hugs.” For him, kindness is tangible, something you can share with a classmate or with your mom and dad at bedtime.

In the space of just a few weeks, Ocean and Leon have gone from being nervous newcomers to confident kindergartners ready to take on each day. Their laughter, their answers, and even their big dreams are proof that North Side Primary Center’s youngest Tigers are off to a strong start. As Mrs. Marshall reflected, “They may be little, but they’re already learning what it means to be kind, to be curious, and to be part of our school family.”