Kindergartners across Hillsborough County started their first day of school Tuesday.
Their parents were treated to a special “Boo Hoo Breakfast,” where they could console each other as they send their children off to class.
“It’s devastating,” said Carlos Martinez, as he accompanied his daughter Zoraida to Maniscalco Elementary School in Lutz. “That’s it. I have to wear sunglasses.”
Tissues were provided in the school’s media center, along with donuts and coffee.
Christa and Mark Anderson stopped by the Boo Hoo breakfast after sending their son Ryan to his first day of kindergarten.
“Time just flies,” said Christa Anderson, who just said goodbye to her son Ryan. “I feel like yesterday, he was a baby. And today, he’s off to big kid school.”
The Lopez family brought their kindergartner along to the “Boo Hoo Breakfast.” Victor Lopez says his son Isaiah wasn’t quite ready to go to class yet.
“He’s a clinger,” Lopez said. “Every time you try to leave him somewhere he says ‘no.’ That’s why it’s so hard.”
But just knowing they aren’t alone on this bittersweet day made it a little easier for parents to let go of their babies.
All Hillsborough County schools hold a “Boo Hoo Breakfast” every year.