PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — It’s back to school time for Portsmouth and Norfolk students Monday morning.
10 On Your Side’s Michael Rinker was at Manor High School in Portsmouth, where he spoke with Portsmouth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy III about the upcoming year.
“I’m excited, there is nothing like the first day of school,” Bracy said. “I think with the staff, the teachers, students and parents, I know they’re excited to get the kids back to school. I’m sure we’ll see a lot of smiling faces today, which I hope they will continue to smile for the entire school year.”
Officials with the school also said that today is the first step for Portsmouth Public School’s five-year strategic plan “Igniting Futures,” which is a four-step plan to ensure Portsmouth students get the most out of the upcoming school year and to ensure everyone is on the same page when the first bell rings.
“I think we’ll be set up for success, we have a road map that we worked on all summer with the staff, the community, we’re really excited about it, we’re just ready to get this first day started, ” Dr. Bracy said.
Last week, over 2,000 employees with PPS attended a Back to School Pep Rally at Churchland High School to help build excitement for the new year.
Bracy said the first goal is to increase academic growth for all students. The second goal, according to Bracy, is to expand access to innovative and high quality learning experiences, which will help prepare kids for future success. The third step of the plan is to improve staff recruitment, retention and professional development. The fourth and final step of the strategic plan is to help foster a safe and connected educational environment to support students, parents and faculty’s needs.
As the students walked into Manor High School Monday morning, they were greeted by cheerleaders and the drumline to create an energetic first day.
“I’m excited for the year, I’m ready for football season and basketball season. Really to have a fun year and good vibes,” said Meagan Powell, a Sophomore Manor student.
Just one city over in Norfolk, 10 On Your Side’s Keagan Hughes was at P.B. Young, Sr. Elementary School.
Before students made it into the classrooms, Community First had mentors and volunteers lining up to welcome kids back to make the first day of school one they will not forget with snacks and music.
“It’s great because, you know, I come from, you know, a trauma past, and I don’t want to see them go down the same road I went down. So I try to, you know, pull stuff and make sure everybody, you know, come up and enjoy life,” said Jawanza Johnson with Community First.
Principal Candiase B. Driver has been an educator for more than 31 years. She has some advice for parents.
“My greatest advice is to just be involved. Show up at the school. Make sure you conference with the teachers. Get to know your child’s teacher. Just ask how you can get involved to support your child,” said Driver.
Ahead of the school year, Norfolk Public Schools announced that all students will once again have free meals under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program. As part of the program, all enrolled students will receive free breakfast and lunch.
In addition, all Norfolk schools with an after-school program were encouraged to sign up with the At-Risk Child and Adult Care Food Service Program, which helps to provide snacks or dinner to students for free.
More information on the program can be found here.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.