Both East Helena and Helena Public Schools districts started their new academic year with smiles, hugs and pictures Wednesday with some set to start Thursday.

Thousands of students across the Helena area entered their buildings, some for the first time.

Hawthorne students were among a new group of peers after their school was closed by the HPS board at the end of last year.

All East Helena Public Schools students started their new year, except for its kindergarten class.

Helena Public Schools grades one through six, high school freshman and Project for Alternative Learning students began Wednesday, while grades seven, eight and the rest of its high school students would start Thursday.

For a full view of district calendars visit the school districts' websites.

East Helena Public Scho

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