Music was blaring outside Monday morning at Pittsburgh Lincoln PreK-5 in Larimer.

Students filed into the building, dancing to a playlist of upbeat songs, including “Boots on the Ground,” “Happy” and “Let’s Get it Started.”

“We play music every day, all year long,” said Lincoln Principal Pamela Parks, who was playing the role of DJ as she greeted the students while wearing a T-shirt with apples, protractors and “Ms. Parks” on the front. “It’s an energizer.”

Inside, excitement permeated throughout the building on the first day of classes for Pittsburgh Public Schools. In one classroom, fourth graders received a pep talk from their teacher, David Andrews.

“If you don’t have effort, we have nothing. … Does that make sense?” said Mr. Andrews, who was met with a resounding “yes” from his st

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