Class is in session for Gulfport School District

Today is the first day of school for the rest of the students in the Gulfport School District.

Parents dropped off their students at Gulfport Central Elementary early this morning — a bittersweet goodbye signifying the end of summer but also the start of the new school year.

Dr. Lawanda Thorton, the principal of the school, stresses the importance of using the first day to help students feel comfortable while introducing them to their new teacher.

While starting school in July is relatively new for the district — Dr. Thorton is excited to see how their new schedule will help out struggling students.

“We hope that with the shorter summers and breaks throughout the school year that still allow students to come in during intersession to receive some remediation and enrichment,” she said. “It will positively impact their student achievement.”

Other school districts on the coast begin in August.