Area residents and drivers were watchful and respectful of students as they made their way to school for the first time this year in Knoxville and Pella. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says very few problems were reported during school hours as parents shuttled their kids to school, and students moved over the crosswalks heading to class. Lieutenant John Van Haaften with the Pella Police Department also says things went smoothly as expected with the start of school. Van Haaften encourages residents to always have patience around schools before and after class, and to even leave slightly earlier in the morning to help relieve traffic congestion.