Central Texas students head back to school

By: News 8 Austin Staff

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News 8's Tracy Gladden and Rich Segal were at schools Monday morning helping students and teachers get excited for the new year.

Monday marks the first day of school for thousands of students in Central Texas.

Students in Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hays Consolidated, Hutto ISD, Killeen ISD, Leander ISD and Temple ISD will all head back to the books. Students in Round Rock and Pflugerville start Tuesday.

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News 8 wants to see what your first day of school looks like. Send your back to school photos to photos@news8austin.com.

Students at Kocurek Elementary School in South Austin started their school year with Austin school district superintendent Meria Carstarphen.

As she came off the school bus, she was greeted by students, parents and faculty with posters, banners and bow ties. She received a tour of the school, talked to some teachers and students and learned about a few lessons taught in classes.

"It's really important that the schools know that the superintendent is very supported of their efforts,” she said. “I want to support excellence."

Carstarphen also said she wanted to see firsthand the careful attention school staff has given to each of their schools. She visited eight other campuses Monday.

Some high school students in the Bastrop school district will head back to class with a brand new home. Cedar Creek High School is ready to welcome students to relieve the overcrowding at Bastrop High School.

With school back in session, it is important to remember the new cell phone laws regarding school zones.

Talking on a cell phone while driving in a school zone is against the law in Texas, unless the car is stopped or the driver is using a hands-free device.

There is also a law against texting in a school zone in the Austin area.