BELLINGHAM - Construction on Whatcom Middle School finished this summer, but the school wasn't truly complete until it was filled with students on its first day, Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Kids gathered in the pristine halls of the rebuilt school Wednesday morning catching up on summer stories, sharing hugs and smiles, and comparing schedules before classes began.

"It's always a great day, the first day of school," said Principal Jeff Coulter. "You get kids in the building and all of a sudden there's life again. The kids bring an energy that can't be replicated. This year of all years it's more poignant because as a community we haven't been together."

Whatcom was closed after a fire tore through the school Nov. 5, 2009, and the students were sent to other schools in the district while it was rebuilt. For those who were in sixth-grade when the fire struck, it was an emotional and cheerful reunion.

"The school is just shiny and new and the atmosphere is so exciting and happy," said eighth-grader Olivia Nielsen. "It feels amazing to be at this awesome school together again."

Teachers, students and parents were impressed with how beautiful the school looked. The basement no longer feels like a basement, the library is light and bright, and the rooms are large and clean. Seventh-grade science teacher Dan Liden said the science rooms were immaculate.

"It's great being around colleagues and seeing students I haven't seen for a couple years," he said. "It does feel good to be stationary once again. Finally I'm settled. I know I won't have to unpack again."

Eighth-grader Kyle Hofstetter and his mom, Susan, were at the school early and were thrilled that it was open this year, a year earlier than originally planned.

"We weren't expecting to come back, so it's a surprise and it's really nice," Kyle said. "We're going to set the standard high."

Kyle has been wearing his Whatcom shirts in anticipation of the school year, his mom said.

"He belongs again," she said. "The kids have an identity again. They were visitors for the last two years and now they have a home."