There were smiles, hugs and high-fives aplenty as Bainbridge teachers and staff welcomed kids back for the first day of school Wednesday.

At Ordway Elementary, arriving students were greeted by Bainbridge School District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen.

The new school year kicked off for public school students in the first through 12th grades on Sept. 4, though children at the new Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary (as well as kindergarteners) won’t start classes until Monday, Sept. 9.

The Review’s Brian Kelly was there as the buses started to roll in with anxious and excited students. Here are a few of his favs from the first day back.