Students clutched bags of school supplies, waved goodbye to their parents, and greeted friends and teachers Tuesday at schools across the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and nerves at 29 schools and programs in the district on the first day of classes.

“Bye, mom. Love you,” a student called out to his mom as she dropped him off at Randy Smith Middle School.

Students walked over encouraging notes chalked onto the sidewalk by the Parent Teacher Association, such as “You’re a star,” “Have a great year,” and “Lucky to be a Black Bear,” referencing Randy Smith’s school mascot. University of Alaska Fairbanks volleyball players handed out stickers, waved blue and gold pompoms, and welcomed students back to school.

For Superintendent

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