DOLTON, Ill. - The first day of school is a celebration in Dolton.

It started Wednesday with a healthy breakfast. Staff and students marked the day, with chalk, making signs of support from the school community.

Happy, encouraging messages written in chalk greeted Dolton children on their first day of school.

Parents, kids, and VIPs got on the sidewalk to contribute to the cheerful artwork created just for students starting a new school year, entering the newly rehabbed school building, Berger Vandenberg School.

Dr. Maureen White, Superintendent of District 149, said their motto is TLC, standing for "thrive, learn, connect."

What they're saying:

Fifth grader Amera Henderson said she set an alarm to wake up early for this day.

"First I looked at the list of supplies, then I put th

See Full Page