Back to school: Plymouth Elementary School

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (WPVI) -- The day after Labor Day meant the beginning of a new school year for thousands of local students.

Tuesday was the first day back in many districts across our area.

On the first day of school at Plymouth Elementary School in Montgomery County, students were brimming with excitement as they headed to their new classrooms.

"I'm happy," said third grader Amina Carll.

"I get to meet a new teacher, I get to meet new classmates," said third grader Carly Stein.

"We're going to be learning a lot of stuff in there," said first grader Bobby Whitley. "I know it."

After all, there's just something special about the first day of school.

"I like the nice breeze you get when you come in," said Whitley, "(and) all of the good stuff you get about nature in school, like the playground."

The first through third graders started Tuesday. Kindergarteners at Plymouth begin next week.

Teachers and staff were at school all last week preparing for the students' arrival.

"I truly hope that every child feels welcomed here and safe to learn," said Principal Rosemarie Gregitis.

For the parents, a lot of preparation goes into the first day as well - including back-to-school shopping and weaning their kids off those lazy days of summer schedules.

"We had to get back on the bedtime schedule, which we didn't do too well last night," said parent Tiffany Bell. "We didn't because we were doing last-minute things, but we'll get that together this week."

"I'm excited for him," said parent Toni Whitley. "And I'm sure he's going to have a great time in first grade."

After a few organizational things to get through Tuesday morning, the kids just dove right into the new school year.