First day of school for many local kids

Thousands of students across New Hanover and Pender Counties headed back to school today. For some, it marked their first day as a brand new student.

Today WWAY spoke with the Barefoots.

They are all looking forward to school, but for Bailey, the day is even more special. It’s her first day as a kindergartener at Parsley Elementary in Wilmington.

“We started our son there in kindergarten and we have had a great experience with him so we are excited to be sending Bailey this year,” said Mrs. Barefoot.

Mr. Barefoot said, “She’s ready to go so we are excited that she is going.”

The Barefoots already have two kids in school, so mom and dad are pros at getting the family ready for the first day.

“We are excited to be getting into a routine, I think they are ready to go to school and get back into that routine too,” said Mrs. Barefoot.

With an older brother in fifth grade and a sister in second, at the same school, Bailey is getting all the advice she needs to calm her first day jitters.

With her hand-me-down back pack from her big sis, fully stocked with school supplies, it was time to go.

Before heading off, Bailey gets her big brother’s stamp of approval.

“Bailey I think is going to love kindergarten, I did. Bailey’s teacher I’ve heard good things about her,” said Bradley.

“They’re gone, they have had a great summer and a lot of relaxing days so they are ready to get back to work and be at Parsley for another year,” said Mrs. Barefoot.

More than 24,000 students are going back to school in New Hanover County alone.