Supporters greet returning students on first day at Montgomery Public Schools

Thursday was first day of school for Montgomery Public Schools as the district welcomed back students, teachers and staff to its 50 schools.

And while exact enrollment figures always fluctuate for the first few days, the system has about 26,000 students.

“Today is going smoothly!” said Jade Jones, spokeswoman for the system. "We're thrilled to welcome back an estimated 26,000.”

The big change this year is the consolidation of two of the city of Montgomery’s most historic high schools with Sidney Lanier students now attending George Washington Carver High. Another change came after the board of education adopted a new cellular phone policy for students. Now sixth graders through seniors place their phones in a pouch at the beginning of the school day, and the phones will be retrieved at dismissal.

More: Three big changes coming to Montgomery Public Schools this year

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Supporters greet returning students on first day at Montgomery Public Schools