For the first time in more than two months, cars lined Summit Street and school traffic commenced as Russellville City Schools students began the 2019-20 school year Aug. 8.

“I absolutely love having our students back,” said West Elementary Principal Deanna Hollimon. “I was greeted this morning with lots of hugs and smiles.”

City employees were on hand to greet returning students by flying the American flag above the streets and holding signs that read “Welcome back to a new school year.”

“Having the city workers and all of the officials greeting the children along the street as they came up on the buses and in their cars made things even better for the students,” Hollimon said.

Students began their day with annual back-to-school pictures, waves to school security guards and only a few tears shed from a few parents at the realization their children are growing up. 

Hollimon said she could tell the students were excited to be back amongst friends and were ready to start another year of learning.

“I could tell they were very excited about coming to school, which makes me feel good because that means that they love school, and that’s what we want,” Hollimon said.

Russellville High School Principal Jason Goodwin said the first day of school is always the best day of the year because it is a new beginning.

“This day is special because it gives us as educators the ability to start a new school year filled with optimism, enthusiasm and care for our students,” Goodwin said. “The first day also allows us to set new and higher expectations for our students, which serve as the basis for shaping and molding their lives for not only this school year but for years to come.”