Students at Flagami Elementary School started off the new year right with some free school supplies, courtesy of their hometown basketball team.
Representatives from the Miami Heat visited the Miami-Dade school to deliver new school supplies to students Monday for the first day of classes.
"I love it," student Belen Melendez said.
And she wasn't the only one who was happy to see them.
"They were more energetic than ever," one mother said of the students.
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While there were no players present, Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said this type of engagement keeps students excited for the new school year.
“The world champs, the Miami Heat are here," he said. “It’s about community, it’s about fun, it’s about education."
As the new year begins, parents like Marysol Perez use this day to remind their children about what is expected of them.
“Number one is school," she said. "Pay attention and get good grades. Number two is no bullying."
Perez said her son Damien knows that he needs to listen to succeed.
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"I'm just going to take care of my stuff and just get out of the school," Damien said.
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On Monday, the Miami-Dade County School Bus System transported more than 60,000 students, with only one delay.
To keep operations running smoothly, bus drivers urge parents to prepare their children for their ride to school.
“Parents, please have your kids out on the stop ten minutes before time and have them visible where we can see them, because at this time in the morning we cannot see them," driver Jannie King said.
The district is also preparing for the new year by adding 100 new programs, many of which focus on technology like the new iPrep Academy.
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"This is a high technology environment with well trained teachers and a colorful very loud environment," Carvalho said. “This year we are guaranteeing by March of the school year a digital device mainly for the students who do not have access to it at home."
For a truly successful school year, it'll take a little bit of effort from the parents and kids as well, Carvalho said.
“Tell the kids to be respectful, be responsible for their actions and tell them to have restraint in their behavior and we've got the rest," he said.
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