Back to school: Stark County area students return to the classrooms

Students were (mostly) smiling as they arrived Tuesday at Tuslaw Elementary School for their first day of classes.

They waved to staff, who greeted them as they exited the bus and headed into the building for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.

Many Stark County districts, including Tuslaw Local, Sandy Valley Local and Alliance City Schools, were back in session on Monday and Tuesday. More area districts were to start classes on Wednesday, including Massillon City Schools, Canton Local Schools and Central Catholic High School.

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Eight-year-old Nora Sirgo couldn't wait to see her friends at Tuslaw Elementary after summer break, adding it was probably the best thing about the new school year. She also was looking forward to math class.

Tuslaw Superintendent Melissa Marconi said the school year is off to a great start.

"We are excited to have everybody back," she said.

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She and Transportation Supervisor Sandy Jordan ensured all bus routes went smoothly Tuesday morning as the district switched to new routing software.

"It's a new era of blue," the superintendent said of the district's new motto. "We are looking forward to the school year and we are really excited about our athletic programs."

The district recently revealed its new turf-playing surface at the stadium and the new blue end zones.

"Soccer is off to a great start with some wins this week and on Friday the football season begins," she added.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Back to school: Stark County area students return to the classrooms