Krista Maxwell takes a photo of her daughter, Dakoyta Maxwell, on her first day as a sixth grader at J.P. King Jr. Middle School. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Jace Gray pauses for a photo on his way into Meherrin Elementary School where he formally began fourth-grade studies Tuesday, Sept. 5. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Israel Taylor and Anthony Morgan, seniors at Franklin High School, sharpen knives for the CTE culinary classes on the first day of school for the 2023-24 year. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Five-year-old Stormy Porter is poised to start kindergarten at Meherrin Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 5. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Katoya Branch, center, brings Keira Branch, left, and Kayla Branch to their inaugural days of kindergarten and fourth grade, respectively, in Newsoms. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Peaking out while shielding his eyes from the sun on the first day of school at Meherrin Elementary School is Bo Webster, ready to begin kindergarten. He is accompanied by Daniel Webster. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

At center is Angela Fair, an assistant principal at S.P. Morton Elementary School. She is flanked, from left, by Marchelle Williams and Suzette Thomas of Gamma Alpha Delta Zeta Sorority of Franklin and Southampton. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Pre-Kindergartener Raelyn Boone, center, smiles brightly as she arrives at Meherrin Elementary School for the first day of the 2023-24 school year, accompanied by Andre Hill and Shirl Hill. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Amanda York smiles in a photo with Sam and Jack Simpson, first graders at S.P. Morton Elementary School. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Raylan Olsen, who is in Bright Starts at SPM, is with his mother, Emilee Szabo. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

All smiles Tuesday, Sept. 5, on her first day of kindergarten at Meherrin Elementary School is Bailey Burgess, accompanied by Wendy Burgess. (Photo by Titus Mohler)

Makari Martin, 4, is ready for pre-Kindergarten at S.P. Morton Elementary School. With him, from left, are Tiara Martin and Ashleigh Royster. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

A’Monte Hoggard, a second grader, is pictured with his father, Tyron Hoggard, who talks with Margaret Smith-Britton, the SPED 4-5 Teacher. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Wayne Small and his daughter, Leona Small, a third grader, wait for the doors to open at SPM. With them are, from left, Suzette Thomas, Franklin City School Board member Arwen Councill and Marchelle Williams, the latter of whom is president of the Gamma Alpha Delta Zeta Sorority of Franklin and Southampton. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)

Incoming JPK students receive high-fives as they walk into the school. (Photo submitted by Franklin City Public Schools)