One down, 179 to go.

About 3,000 students made their way back to Sequim schools as the district kicked off its 2011-2012 academic year on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Bill Bentley, Sequim schools superintendent, said things went well, as first days go.

“I was very impressed with the amount of preparation all the staff put into this,” he said. “Kids were excited.”

He said district officials wouldn’t know enrollment numbers until several days in, but that they do a head count each of the first four days.

Bentley said kindergarten enrollment looks to be above the district’s projections — “that’s a good sign, a positive sign,” he said — and that both of Sequim’s two elementary schools may add another kindergarten class.