The Newtown Public Schools were back in session as of Monday, August 29, and the day was filled with smiles and cheer.The Newtown Bee, available in local stores through September 8, and at The Newtown Bee's 5 Church Hill Road building, during office hours.are available online in this week's photo gallery, available here.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, reported the 2016-17 school year's start was "by far our quietest opening day we've had" since he came to the district in the spring of 2014.

Overall, the superintendent said the first day of the 2016-17 school year was "a really, really good day."

A further look at the first day of school is available in the September 2 print edition of

Local parents submitted many photos of their children on the first day of the school year or from the Thursday, August 25, kindergarten bus runs. The submitted photos are available to peruse in the September 2 print edition, along with the story.

Newtown Bee staff photos of kindergarten bus runs and first day of school