Synceer Hudson, a kindergartener in Ms. Hannah Bauer’s class at S.P. Morton, smiles for the camera. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Gathering for a photo at the start of the first day of school at Nottoway Elementary School are, from left, front row, kindergartener River Shoemaker, second grader Rylan Shoemaker, third grader Scarlet Brown, first grader Derek Dortch; back row, Amber Baker and Adriana Dortch. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Ava Elliott, in kindergarten, and her brother, Jayden Elliott, a fourth grader, get their picture taken on the first day of classes in the 2024-25 school year at S.P. Morton. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Kylee Conaway, center, is excited to start pre-kindergarten at Nottoway Elementary School. She is accompanied by Rebecca Conaway, left, and Kendra Conaway. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Lola Lopez, a fourth grader, is with her father, Richard Lopez, during the first day of school at S.P. Morton. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

From left at Nottoway Elementary School, Kameron Lane is ready to start second grade, Karlee Lane is ready to start fourth grade, and Kaitlin Lane is ready to start kindergarten. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Bailey Hoyt holds hands with his son, Jackson, a pre-kindergartener at S.P. Morton. With them is Mom, Tyler Hoyt. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Kyrsten Joyner gathers second grader Eli Joyner, left, and fifth grader James Joyner for a photo shortly before school began at NES on Tuesday, Sept. 3. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Eli Rosada gives high-fives to the many adults welcoming the students to a new school year at S.P. Morton. He is accompanied by his grandparents, Jesus and Maria Fernandez. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Rebecca Cabell accompanies Brooks Cabell as he starts his time in the first grade at NES. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Elijah Douglas, who started kindergarten at S.P. Morton Elementary School on Sept. 3, is accompanied by Latoya Darden Douglas. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Ryleigh Graham smiles as she starts the first grade at NES. She is joined here by Rolanda Graham. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

S.P. Morton Elementary School teacher Ms. Hannah Bauer talks to her kindergarten student, Synai Talley, at right. At left is classmate Alana Duck. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Austin Didier is ready for the fourth grade at NES, and he is joined at the start of the day by Casey Didier. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Jessica Beek is with Terrance Bowers, a first grader at S.P. Morton Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Excited for the start of school at NES are, from left, first grader Keira Branch, Mildred Branch and fifth grader Kayla Branch. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Nyra Hall is ready to shine in kindergarten this year at S.P. Morton Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Franklin City Public Schools)

Posing for a photo Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, at Nottoway Elementary School is Lillian Davis, who is beginning kindergarten. She is accompanied by Marisa Davis and Sonny Davis. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Avianna Sobotor is on hand for her first day of first grade at NES, accompanied by John Sobotor. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Doug Whitby escorts pre-kindergartener Grace Whitby and second grader Peyton Whitby into Nottoway Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 3. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

NES kindergarten teacher Rebecca Johnson arrives with Caroline Johnson, who is starting the third grade. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Joan Austin, head custodian at Nottoway Elementary School, greeted teachers, students and parents as they arrived Tuesday, Sept. 3. (Photo by Titus Mohler)