Bradford was bustling Monday morning as students made their way from the sunny outdoors and back into their classrooms for the start of the 2018-19 school year.

“It was a wonderful day across the district,” Superintendent Katharine Pude said Monday afternoon.

Monday was not a day for hitting the books, but rather a day for students to learn the rules, get used to the environment and meet their teachers, according to Pude, who noted that she visited each of the district’s buildings Monday to check on how the day was going.

“It was a very, very smooth start,” she said.

And, except for the heat outside, the students seemed excited to be back, Pude added.

The student population, at least at the start of the year, is up, according to Pude.

“Enrollment as of today is 2,583 kids, which is up 33 kids from the first day last year,” she said.

This year, security has been a particular concern of school administrators, not just locally but across the nation, too.

To help with the district’s security measures, Pude ask that all visitors to make sure they use the designated entrance at each school.

Also regarding security, she said the district has a new school resource officer. However, the vestibule that is to be built in the high school isn’t completed yet, as they are waiting for the glass.

“We certainly want to make sure everyone is safe,” she said.

The busing schedule can be a particularly tricky puzzle to put together, and Pude asked that parents be patient as that is finalized.

She explained there are 254 square miles of students to bus to the schools — with new students enrolling and withdrawing every day — and that makes for a complicated busing system. Adding another layer of difficulty are the very young children in pre-K and kindergarten who are just learning the busing system.

“It takes awhile for kids to get used to our stops,” she said.

Parents are reminded to update their information with the school if they move, too, to prevent more confusion.

“We have a lot of people who move in the summer, and they never tell us that,” she said.

The district’s principals were also pleased with the success of the first day.

At School Street Elementary School, Principal Sarah Tingley, principal said, “Wow! It was a whirlwind but it was positive first day.”

According to Tingley, working toward student safety does not just mean guarding against attackers, but also developing a positive community within the school.

“Safety is always our first priority but along with that comes building relationships with students so all feel part of the school community,” she explained. “Our staff does a commendable job of forming those positive relationships on day one and sustaining them throughout the year.”

Tingley noted that Assistant Principal Heidi Blatchley and school counselor Julie Speaker “met with all students in small groups to review school expectations and procedures.”

Tingley was grateful for the patience of parents and family members during dismissal on Monday.

“We didn’t have any major issues but it can become hectic so their patience and understanding is appreciated,” she explained. “All schools are using the Remind application and information was sent home with students on how to sign up for each school. This will foster even better communication between home and school.”

Overall, she felt it was a start to what she anticipates will be a great year.

“I feel it’s going to be a fantastic year and am looking forward to great things happening in the district,” said Tingley.

Similarly, at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School, Principal Tina Slaven was enthusiastic about the first day.

“I believe that students were ready to be back as even in the heat of the day they were enthusiastic and eager to see what this year looks like,” said Slaven. “They were prepared and ready to go as were their teachers. Today at Fretz, it was the best first day ever!”

She indicated that support from parents can be an important tool in a child’s education.

“We would ask that they continue to be our partners in educating their children, sending their children to school each and everyday,” said Slaven. Another good form of support is “encouraging their children to do homework and keep them reading anything and everything they can get their hands on.”

She encourages parents “to communicate with teachers and staff when they have questions and concerns about their child(ren)’s education so we can work together to ensure their child(ren) are successful.”

Both parents and teachers have the same goal — to educate children — and Slaven hopes to see that goal achieved in the 2018-19 school year.

“Let’s work together to make the best first day ever become the best year yet! Proud of our Fretz Team,” she said.