SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s back to school for students this week and faculty and staff have been hard at work getting ready for a new year.

The first day of school in Smithfield is Tuesday, but preparations have been going on throughout the summer.

One exciting addition this year includes the new athletic field at Smithfield High School, which is set to open on Friday.

Superintendent Dawn Bartz told 12 News some of the other changes students can expect, including updates to their technology policies at the middle and high schools.

“At our high school and our middle schools, we’re having some work done outside. So, there’s new driveway sealing that is being done,” Bartz said. “Also they will notice at the elementary schools, new and upgraded gardens, new programs for after school thanks to Governor McKee’s 365 grant.”

There will also be no cell phones allowed in classes, which will change a lot of things.

“Studies have shown that the more people are on cell phones, the less learning that’s happening,” Bartz said.

Smithfield also held a bus safety ride for its kindergarteners ahead of the first day.

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