PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – There was lots of back-to-school excitement in Portsmouth as staff, faculty, and teachers held a pep rally at Churchland High School, with everyone pumped for the new year. 

More than 2,000 employees packed the gym at Churchland High School. Dr. Elie Bracy, Portsmouth Superintendent, says this is the best way to start the year before students come back. 

“We’re very excited, and they love having the pep rally style where we kick things off for the opening of the school year. You know, everybody is hype about it,” said Dr. Bracy. 

This pep rally is one of the few times all the employees get to come together. Wearing matching t-shirts and shaking pom-poms, each school showed their spirit. 

“I’m really looking forward to being with the kids again,” said teacher Karl Wilkins.

Portsmouth Public Schools has a 5-year strategic plan called “Igniting Futures.”

The first goal is to increase academic growth and achievement for all students. The second goal is to expand access to innovative, high-quality learning experiences that prepare students for future success.

The third goal is to improve staff recruitment, retention, and professional development. Lastly, the fourth goal is to foster a safe and connected educational environment that supports students, staff, and families’ needs.

All the staff have their own goals for the 25-26 school year. 

“One of the things we want [is] to make sure our students continue to grow. We want to make sure that all of our schools continue to get better. And, you know, I think we’ve equipped ourselves as well this year with staffing and so forth. So we’re really excited about going into the school year, being better staff than we’ve been in quite a few years,” said Dr. Bracy. 

Students go back on Aug. 18.