With the new school year now in full swing, we wanted to check-in with the Department of Education to get a status update on how the students and teachers have settled-in. Overall, the first week of school went smoothly, according to GDOE interim public information officer Michelle Franquez. The only problems they experienced were the ones they were expecting.

"It’s been a very uneventful first week," said Franquez. "We had our usual hiccups, that are expected. A little bit more traffic and congestion on the roads as our parents are taking in that first day of school moment and dropping-off their kids. Making sure are kids are arriving on time with the busses. Really, we didn’t have major hiccups. We did have some kids who registered last-minute, but we have some amazing people working at our school teams who are able to register them and find them classes."

If there’s any real issues, franquez said it’s the school uniforms that still aren’t available.

"This is not the first time we’ve had a challenge with stock not being available for school uniforms," Franquez continued. "We do ask and implore our parents that although uniforms may not be readily available right now, we do have a board policy in terms of dress code for our students. So ensuring that they’re wearing jeans with no holes in them. Making sure they’re wearing closed-toed shoes, no Crocs. Ensuring that if they are going to wear shorts, no higher than two inches above the knee and of course, if they’re wearing t-shirts, it’s not gang paraphernalia or that anything that is derogatory in any manner.

"So we understand that some parents are waiting for the uniform shipments and we thank them for cooperating with us and exercising patience as we wait for the delayed shipment."

As of now, there is no timeline of when the new uniform shipments will arrive, but once they do, GDOE will let parents know right away. GDOE also had some new teachers begin this school year and Franquez gave the rundown on how they’re settling into their new roles.

Said Franquez, "We had very positive first year teachers. It’s just that exciting moment when you’re like, 'Ok, I am actually a teacher. I am tasked with ensuring that these kids get the education they deserve.' So, so far it’s been moving along smoothly and one of the things our teachers have said, is they feel supported by Central Office and by their administrators. They know that they have their district mentors who are willing to go out there and give them the support necessary to help with those first year jitters for our beginning teachers."