CLAY COUNTY — The first day back to school is often dreaded all summer. However, it appeared to not be so dreadful for students at Clay County District Schools after all.

Tuesday, Aug. 13, marked the start of the school year for nearly 40,000 students and 5,000 employees at the 43 public schools across Clay County. Students hugged teachers, chatted with friends and arrived at class ready to learn.  Excitement hung in the air. 

“It’s an exciting day. Usually, the night before, I don’t sleep at all because I know the excitement that will be there in the morning — watching the students get off the bus and seeing their smiling faces. There’s no doubt they’re excited to be back with their friends and to learn. And, of course, parents are happy also,”  Superintendent David Broskie said. 

That morning, Broskie and School Board members Mary Bolla and Beth Clark visited Grove Park Elementary and Orange Park High to greet students on their first day back. 

As students disembarked off buses, they were greeted with balloons, bubbles and hype music which left a memorable first impression. 

Later, the superintendent and school board members visited classrooms at Orange Park High, including a carpentry and welding class. Orange Park High currently has the only welding curriculum program in the district. 

Principal Ivin Gunder said he, too, was excited about the school year. Orange Park High recently completed renovations to its media center and cafeteria. Even on the first day, Gunder was already looking ahead to the finish line — which should be considered the starting line. 

"The goal is to have our high school seniors walk across the stage for graduation. Graduation is not the end. It is the beginning," he said. 

Last year, CCDS was awarded an "A" rating by the Florida Department of Education for the fifth year in a row. It is a trend that Broskie, the school board, and the CCDS administration intend to continue for this school year.