MIDDLEBORO — Excitement and a touch of nervousness were in the damp, humid air as Middleboro students hopped on the bus and into a new school year Wednesday, Aug. 30.

“I’m very excited,’’ said Paul Rinkowski, who started second grade at Henry B. Burkland Elementary School, as he stood at his bus stop near his home.

Alexis Depina, who entered fifth grade at Burkland, admitted she was a little nervous.

But when the bus arrived, as family members shouted words of encouragement, the students eagerly climbed the bus stairs.

The students will be warmly welcomed, Burkland administrators have assured the school community.

 “We can't wait to see all the kids and we are really looking forward to another great year,’’ Principal Derek Thompson said. “Our goal this year, as it is every year, is to ensure that every student gets what they need to realize their full potential as a student.’’