POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Broward County Schools had a successful first day back to class, with some schools getting a visit from Broward’s superintendent.
More than 271,000 students headed back to school along with 15,000 teachers, Wednesday.
“It was nice and fun,” said one young girl at the end of the school day.
“It was really fun, and the teacher was really nice,” said another student.
“It was school,” added Scarlett Carney, saying it was definitely not like summer anymore.
Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie spent the day visiting multiple schools in Broward to welcome back students, parents, teachers and staff.
“I’m pleased to say that today went smoothly,” said Runcie. “No significant hiccups or concerns that I’m aware of, and again, I would just like to thank everyone: our students, our staff, our parents, law enforcement agencies, community partners – everyone. It takes an entire community to ensure the success of all of our children.”
The superintendent started his morning at one of the bus depots to help send bus drivers off. “We’re here at the North Terminal to see our bus drivers; wish them a good first day of school,” he said. “This is where the work of the district starts every day.”
According to Runcie, after the trauma students suffered following the events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, bus drivers received special training ahead of the new school year to aid students if and when needed.
“There is some training. You know, we’ve been working with our bus drivers around social, emotional and mental health,” said Runcie, “really trying to provide that type of training and support throughout the whole entire district.”
Many parents were eager to start the school year.
“They get bored, you know? It gets old with summer camp, and they just want to do something different, so it’s good for him. It’s good for me too,” said one mother, eager to get back into the school routine.
Students at Pinewood Elementary School in North Lauderdale were surprised on their first day, with the Miami Heat’s mascot Burnie and the Heat dancers making an appearance. Runcie was also at Sandpiper Elementary School in Sunrise during lunchtime.
School starts on Monday in Miami-Dade County.
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