FORT SMITH (KFSM) - The classrooms are full as kids headed back to school Monday (Aug.17). Schools in several major districts in the area kicked off the new academic year, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Van Buren, and Fort Smith all went back today.
"The most exciting thing is when those kiddos start coming in to the classrooms and they're excited," said Assistant Principal of Cook Elementary Tammy Chase.
Teachers across the district said they were eager to greet the students when they walked into the school earlier in the morning. They said they were excited to see the kids with bright and smiling faces as they headed into a new year of learning.
"I'm excited to get all my science things because they said fifth grade is extra fun in science," said student Kaileigh Staser.
Faculty and staff at Cook Elementary School have been back in the classroom for longer than a week, preparing name tags, getting the bulletin boards decorated, and the lesson plans ready.
The students at Southside and Northside High Schools also made their way back into the classroom.
During the first day, teachers played games with the students so they can learn about one another. The teachers also practiced routines and procedures so they know what to expect for the upcoming school year.
Other River Valley schools also started back to school Monday. This includes Alma and Greenwood.