Students head back for 1st day of school in Newark
NEWARK, N.J. -- The day after Labor Day means the start of a new school year for many students, including public schools in Newark.
Tuesday marked the first day of school for students in New Jersey's largest school system.
And there was that first day buzz.
"I hope it'll be a good school year for these kids," parent Shante Faucette said.
Decked out in their orange uniforms, students got dropped off by parents outside of the Avon Avenue Elementary School bright and early.
"My son just graduated. He has been going here since kindergarten. Now, it's his turn next," parent Angela Jacobs said.
It was the first day back for nearly 40,000 students enrolled within the Newark Public School District, the largest district in all of New Jersey.
Young scholars told CBS New York they were excited to return.
"I'm excited to go back because I love the recess and lunches," Naquan Naucette said.
"They're happy because they get to see their friends, and the new teachers. So we're all excited for them to be back to school," a parent said.
According to the Newark Board of Education, over the last decade the district's graduation rate increased to its highest at 85% during the 2021-22 school year, and its three-year trend in average daily school attendance stood at 92.6%.
Superintendent Roger Leon, who greeted students during the morning drop-off, said this year the district will continue to focus on increasing attendance and graduation rates.
"Our graduation rates are the highest it's been in the last three decades," Leon said. "We are making sure we are preparing students for college reality. Attendance remains a priority, so increasing attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism.
CBS New York asked Leon if there are any concerns for students over the next few days due to a heat index that is expected to be in the mid to upper 90s.
"Our new buildings that have been underway don't have this problem, obviously, at all, and in other situations, like here and other schools, we've monitored and adjusted to make sure that the heat is conducive to students still learning," Leon said.
The superintendent added while the district will monitor the situation as the heat continues, no disruptions to the first week back at school are expected.