NORFOLK, Va. — Summer vacation is officially over for Norfolk Public School students. They returned to the classroom on Monday, August 19, and several other school divisions will soon follow suit.
It's the earliest back-to-school return date out of all Hampton Roads school divisions. Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, and Accomack will return last, starting after the Labor Day holiday.
Norfolk parents told 13News Now their children had several different reactions being the first to go back to school.
"My oldest, who is a kindergartener, was so excited this morning, she could not wait," said Sara Smith. "She got nervous once she got there, but I think it was a good idea to get back."
"My son wasn't so happy," said Jessica Hart. "It's actually his birthday this morning, so he begged me to stay behind, but I said no way."
The early back-to-school return is not the only new policy going into effect for Norfolk Public Schools.
According to Norfolk school leaders, over 400 full-time teachers are starting this year with the school division. All Norfolk educators are also getting an 8% raise in comparison to last year to keep up with other school divisions.
There are changes outside the classroom as well, including new speed cameras posted outside most Norfolk schools.
"The speeding around Norfolk in general is pretty high and nobody stops at crosswalks and nobody pays attention to the school zones, like, at all," said Smith.
Norfolk city crews installed 19 cameras across 10 public schools. The cameras will go into effect starting 30 minutes before the school day and up until 30 minutes after the school day has ended.
Violators could face a $100 fine if caught speeding, but parents said they are not against the cameras.
"People fly by and it can get crazy out there," said Hart. "I'm glad they put up these cameras to catch people, and go ahead, give them tickets."
Virginia Beach, Newport News, Portsmouth, and Suffolk public schools will all return to the classroom on August 26.