-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary Principal Jason Lampe leads students in the Pledge of Allegiance during the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday in Barnum. Lampe is beginning his first year as principal for the MNW district.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson American Legion Post 204 Commander Verlyn Kirchoff holds the flag while fellow veteran Randy Stein prepares to raise it during the opening day ceremony Friday at Manson Northwest Webster Elementary in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary students recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the flag-raising ceremony Friday before the start of classes on the first day of school in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Jr./Sr. High students gather for the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday in Manson.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Jr./Sr. High students gather outside the school Friday for the traditional flag-raising ceremony and a word from Principal Kenny Shannon on the first day of classes in Manson.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster second-grade teacher Dawn Pohlman leads her class to the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday outside the elementary school in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster first-grade teacher Jill Carlson leads her students to the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday at the elementary school in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary Principal Jason Lampe addresses fourth- through sixth-grade students during the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday in Barnum. Lampe is beginning his first year as principal for the MNW district.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster kindergarten teacher Jill Gaul stands with her students as they await the start of the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes Friday outside the elementary school in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
The American flag waves in the breeze over the Manson Northwest Elementary School Friday in Barnum following the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Elementary students and teachers return to school for the start of classes Friday following the opening day flag-raising ceremony in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster students, teachers and staff recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the traditional flag-raising ceremony on the first day of classes in Barnum.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Manson Northwest Webster Jr./Sr. High School Principal Kenny Shannon addresses students on the first day of classes Friday in Manson. He encouraged all students to become better learners and to help one another out throughout the day. “Every single one of us at this point is a Cougar,” said Shannon.