Believe it or not, summer has come to an end and school bells are ringing. St. Mary is the first Acadiana Parish to start school this year.
This morning students and teachers head back to class with new beginnings as they start the academic year.
Teachers are getting their classrooms ready and there's a lot to do. St. Mary Parish will see 80 new teachers this year including these two fresh faces at Raintree Elementary.
"I have a lot of hands on activities and learning cycles. I just graduated out of college so I have a lot fresh ideas and think those are really important for students right now instead of just memorizing facts and doing the same old things that they've been doing for years," said 4th grade teacher Katy Prucnal.
"I will strive and do everything that I have to so in order to help their child grow and meet the 4th grade standards," said 4th grade teacher Shalania Levy
Superintendent Donald Aguillard says everything is a go for the first day and. The district provided supplies for all children, so students will have the necessary school supplies.
"Parents don't need to buy that material in St. Mary Parish, we'd like everybody to be ready to on day one. We're hoping their will be good instructing occuring event on the first day of school. We're hoping students stay attentive and commit to attending everyday and having a great academic year," said Superintendent Aguillard.
The parish also launched a new reading program for grades 3-5. Superintendent Aguillard says this program will challenge students and ultimately help them reach their growth target.