Educators and school staff welcomed students across the district for the 2016-17 school year on August 29.The Newtown Bee and online at newtownbee.com before Tuesday, August 30, at noon., by e-mailing a photo to Education Reporter Eliza Hallabeck at eliza@thebee.com

All across town Monday morning, some students waited at bus stops for parents to take photos, while others reportedly jumped onto their bus without looking over their shoulders.

Kindergarten students at all four elementary schools were ready, after rehearsing riding the bus and visiting schools on Thursday, August 25.

At Sandy Hook Elementary School, buses heading toward the brand-new building at 12 Dickinson Drive passed Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue's ladder truck, which had been parked in the rear lot of the neighboring fire station lot with a large American flag hanging on display, welcoming everyone for their first day of school. A sign was also posted near the school entrance, reading "Welcome Home Sandy Hook School."

Some drivers experienced traffic issues associated with the light at Exit 11 ramps on Wasserman Way, but everything appeared to be running as smoothly as possible on the first day.

Parents are invited to submit their favorite photo of their smiling children from the first day of school for possible use in the September 2, 2016 print edition of