Principal Devonda Gary welcomes new students Emma and Ella Wray to Capron Elementary School. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)

Capron Elementary School has community supporters such as Apostle Albert Evans, far left, and Mary Claude, far right, to help greet students on their first day back at school. In this photo they greet Raylen Doughtie, left, and Kylie Adams. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)

Young Mustangs of J.P. King Jr. Middle School are greeted at the front door by members of the Brothers Keepers ministry, Franklin Police, Franklin City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carlton Carter and Franklin City School Board member Arwen Councill. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

From left, Capron Elementary students Lai’ona Jones, Amayah Cain and Ivory Jean are all smiles and ready to come back to school. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)

Pre-Kindergartener Kethan Joyner arrives for the first day of school at SPM, accompanied by his parents, Paulus and Angela Joyner. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Mrs. Powell, a school bus driver for Southampton County Public Schools, poses with, from left, Jameson Ferguson, Kayden Smith and Grace Powell. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)

Mr. and Mrs. Tupea accompany their children Patrick and Linda on the first day back to school at Capron Elementary School. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)

Morgan Langston holds first grader Phoenix Langston’s hand as they walk to the entrance at S.P. Morton. Behind them is Ellis Cofield, graphic designer. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Apostle Albert Evans, from Community Fellowship Church of Deliverance, welcomes Nelson Rios and Sophia Rios Mendoza back to school. (Photo submitted by Kathy Thompson)