OAKLEAF  —As Oakleaf Village Elementary Principal Jason Martin welcomed returning students with a high five, he knew it was going to be the best year yet. 

"I'm most excited and looking forward to the smiles from the kids. The things that make them happy," he said. 

Clay County District Schools opened its doors to 43 schools, nearly 40,000 students and more than 5,000 employees during the first day of the new school year on Monday, Aug. 11.

From the friendly waves of teachers and staff, the smiles of anticipation from young students and the tearful goodbyes with their parents, to the early morning wait for one of the district's many yellow school buses and busy traffic, the day was met with many emotions.

But, mainly anticipation and excitement for what was to come.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

In addition to the new bus tracking system, and free and reduced-priced lunch policies, this year also saw the addition of changes inside the classroom. For the first-time, teachers at various schools are now equipped with Audio Enchantment, an audio microphone necklace.

"It helps them get their voice to every student in the classroom without having to use a louder volume. Sometimes when [using] a louder volume you drop consonants. And so the words aren't pronounced as clearly, particularly for youth, as they're getting those literacy and language developmental skills. That can hinder them," Martin said. 

Additionally, the necklace acts as a mobile panic alarm in case of an emergency. 

The system is installed at all secondary schools, however the district said they are taking a phased in approach with elementary schools. Other elementary schools that currently have the enhancement include: Spring Park, Orange Park, Discovery Oaks, RideOut, Plantation Oaks and S. Bryan Jennings.

STAFF PHOTOS BY KYLA WOODARD

Superintendent David Broskie was there to wish the Oakleaf students a happy first day and help some students find their classes.

As a feeder school, transferring sixth-grade students over to Oakleaf Junior High, Martin said Monday saw fewer students than usual.

Meanwhile, the junior high was bursting at the seams. The school saw a total of 1,416 students, over 100 more than projected. 

"We're preparing for that. The district office has been monitoring our numbers and we stay in constant communication as for as the school, with our supervisors at the county office, so they're continuing to watch those numbers to see what resources we may need moving forward," said Oakleaf Junior High Principal Wilnitra Dixon. 

This first-day also marked the grand opening of the school's new 32-classroom wing, identical to the one also built at Lake Asbury Junior High. The approximately $20 million buildings hold about 640 more students, accommodating the county's fast-paced growth.  

Equipped with new hallways, large classrooms and modern technology, Dixon said teachers are ready for the transition.

Dixon said she's excited for what this means for not only the junior high, but the high school. Perched outside one of the building's many windows is a clear view of Oakleaf High. Dixon said she will use this as a reminder for what students will look forward to. 

"We have three years with kids, which is amazing to establish that strong foundation with upper academics, sports and the extracurricular clubs, as well, because sixth graders will be able to participate in sports," she said. 

For the next few weeks, Superintendent David Broskie said he asks that parents have patience particularly with traffic and bussing.

Broskie, who was also there to wish the Oakleaf students a happy first day, said he is looking forward to the district's continued success. 

Back in July, the district received its sixth consecutive "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education and continued to be among the top-10 performing districts in the state.

"I hope every student comes to school and feels like they belong at school. And it's a positive experience, and they get the skills that they need and lessons are learned.