(WXYZ) — The school day kicks off in just a few hours, and the excitement is running high, but with that also comes a bit of anxiety for some kids and parents.
Watch Sara Molina's report below
The school bell is a familiar sound that marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. Many students, like Chase Walker, say they're excited to go back to see friends and start a fresh chapter of learning their favorite subjects.
"I love school and I love reading and stuff, so having extra books is always helpful,like chapter books," Walker said.
But the first day of school isn’t just a big day for the kids; its also a big day for many parents and grandparents, like Ramona Hardman, Chase's grandmother. Although it's exciting, Hardman says the day can also bring some anxiety with it.
“I’m hoping that my grandchildren and all the children will have a good school year," Hardman said. "Safety is one of the biggest things because we've had a lot of things that happen here in Michigan and all over the country."
And she's not alone in that feeling. Parents across metro Detroit say there's plenty of things about the start of the new year that worry them.
“The school bus, I'm hoping it'll be there on time and they won't be out there just standing there waiting," said Tanya Spencer, a mother of 3 when asked what she's anxious about.
Several parents also tell us that bullies are a big concern, but still, they say they’re looking forward to what the year holds, and the camaraderie it’ll bring.
"You gotta stick together. if you don't have no community, what do you really have?” said Jeierra Johnson, the mother of a first grader.
Schools in the Farmington District are operating on a half-day today. Classes kick off at 7:45 a.m. for middle and high schoolers, with elementary school kids beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Web Extra: Watch our exclusive interview with Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the Superintendent at Detroit Public Schools Community District
