Pittsburgh Public Schools students head back to class

PITTSBURGH — Monday marked the first day of school for students in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Mayor Corey O’Connor greeted students at several schools, including Arlington.

“There’s excitement; kids are obviously excited and nervous, but I think it’s great to greet them and as many teachers as we can because the school year is obviously long,” O’Connor said. “But we know the importance of community schools and that’s why we try to stop in and welcome as many kids as we can.”

The mayor spoke with students about their summer break, what they read over the summer, and what they’re looking forward to the most this school year.

“Nobody loves getting back into the routine; everyone’s relaxed in the summer, but it’s a good thing,” O’Connor said.

The district has several new things this school year, including the Home Access Center app. It’s something high school families are familiar with, but now all families have access to a lot of important documents.

“They can also fill out all of their back-to-school forms through the HAC,” said Dr. Wayne Walters, Superintendent. “They can look at old report cards. They can get grades that way. And so, it’s really a stronger communication tool.”

Also new this year for all students is a district-wide cellphone ban.

“All schools approach it differently. So, some have pouches, YONDR pouches, I guess that’s a brand name, and some have pouches to do that. Some secure them in padded envelopes. They all have their own systems,” Walters said.

At Arlington, there are cell phone cubbies where students can place their phones as they walk into the building. The district said it will help lessen distractions in the classroom.

“To our families that say, ‘How can I get in touch with my child?’ If there’s an emergency, we will contact you,” he said. “We always have, and we always will.”

The first day for kindergartners is on Thursday.

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