"Today is going to be so much fun," thought Ian Peters, age 6, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. "That's because today, I get to go to Chapel Hill Elementary."
Earlier that morning Ian had dressed quickly and rushed through his breakfast.
"Slow down, Ian," Jeff, Justin, and Kiley said laughingly. Ian seemed more excited now than he had ever been before.
When Ian arrived at Chapel Hill Elementary, he ran up the steps to catch up with the other children.

Ian ran to his very own locker. As he opened the locker, Ian thought he heard rustling inside.
"Is there something inside my locker?" Ian wondered. "What could it be?"
Just then, Mrs. Marion walked up and said, "You'd better hurry to class, Ian."
Ian decided to close his locker and investigate the noise later.

Ian was curious about the strange noise, but he joined the other children in the classroom. It was time for reading class -- one of his favorites! Mrs. Marion opened a big book and said, "Today we're going to study the raccoon. And at the end of the day, I have a special surprise for you!"
Ian forgot all about the strange noise and tried to figure out what the surprise was going to be.

After learning all about raccoons, the children went to the art center.
"I want everyone to paint a picture of a raccoon," said Mrs. Marion.
Ian worked very hard on his painting. When he was done, all the other children admired his painting.
"Ian, that is a wonderful painting of a raccoon," said Mrs. Marion. "You are a very talented artist."
Ian couldn't wait to take the painting home and show it to Jeff, Justin, and Kiley.

During lunchtime, Ian sat at the table with all his very best friends. They all laughed and shared stories about their summer vacations.
Suddenly, Ian felt something bump against his leg. Then the table gave a little shake, and a pitcher of milk spilled all over the table.
"There must be someone under the table playing a joke," said Ian. But when he looked under the table, Ian didn't see anyone.

"There are a lot of strange things happening today," thought Ian. Just then, the bell rang. It was time for music class. There were so many musical instruments from which to choose. "Ian liked the tambourines best. Mrs. Marion taught the children a special song about a raccoon.
As Ian played his tambourines, he kept thinking about the big surprise Mrs. Marion had for the children at the end of the day.

Now it was time for Ian to go to science class. But when Ian got to the classroom, he couldn't find his lab goggles anywhere.
"Where could they be?" wondered Ian as he looked under the desk.
Mrs. Marion was talking. "Pay attention, children. I'm going to reveal my surprise." The teacher brought out a big box with a cloth covering it.

When Mrs. Marion removed the cloth, there was nothing but a large, empty cage!
"The raccoon is missing," gasped Mrs. Marion. "It must be running around loose in Chapel Hill Elementary."
Just then, Ian thought about the noise he had heard in his locker. Ian also remembered what had happened in the lunchroom today.
"I'll be right back," said Ian as he quickly ran from the room.

Ian knew just where to go. He ran right over to the lunchroom. As he listened at the door, Ian heard some strange sounds coming from inside.
Even though it was dark in the room, Ian wasn't afraid. He opened the door and saw the strangest sight in the world. A baby raccoon wearing his goggles! And that's not all. The raccoon was eating a leftover sandwich!

"Look what I found," said Ian with a big smile as he brought his new fuzzy friend back into the classroom.
"Ian, you found the baby raccoon!" said Mrs. Marion happily. "You've saved the day."
"The other children gave a big cheer for Ian.
"This really has been the best first day of school ever," said Ian. "I was right when I told Jeff, Justin, and Kiley that school is fun!"