Waving teachers, Franciscan friars and Bernie the St. Bernard dog mascot greeted students of St. Joseph School in Herndon Aug. 23. It was the first day of school for students in odd-numbered grades; students in even-numbered grades began Aug. 24. The plaid and khaki-clad children filed out of their cars and into the building, occasionally guided by a teacher. Once in their classrooms, students pulled out their fresh school supplies as teachers introduced themselves. “All summer long I’ve been asking Mr. Wright, when do I get to come meet my new friends?” said first grade teacher Mrs. Jeannie Wright.