Covington County Schools became the last system to return to school yesterday and local principals reported a stellar day.

Straughn High School Principal Donny Powell said they are excited to be starting a new school year.

“We had a great first day of school,” he said.

Red Level Elementary School Principal Clifton Pace Jr. said things were going great.

“Both the students and teachers are excited and very enthusiastic about the new school year,” he said. “The classrooms look awesome and are decorated in a way to ignite a new fire in the minds of the learners. We are glad we got off to a good start and know that this is going to be a super exciting year at RLES.”

Pleasant Home School Assistant Principal Amber McKathan reported a wonderful day there as well.

“The students seemed excited to meet their teachers and see their classmates, eager to learn new things, and enthused about making this the best year ever,” she said. “I think our students, faculty, and staff have started off the year in the right direction by being proud of their school and taking ownership of what it means to be a Pleasant Home Eagle. Our teachers and staff have worked very hard to prepare for this first day and have committed to bringing their best to work each and every day.”

Straughn Elementary School Principal Bettye Anne Older said that with the second pre-k classroom, the school’s enrollment was approaching 600 students in Pre-K through fifth grade.

“Students, teachers and parents were excited to begin the new school year, and we were off to a regular school day by 7:50 a.m., this morning,” she said.

WS Harlan Principal Joy Colvin said the faculty, staff and students are excited about the 2016-2017 school year.

“Everyone was ready and had smiles on their faces today,” she said. “Enrollment is up and we are looking forward to a great year of learning and succeeding.”

Red Level High School Principal Randy McGlaun said they had a wonderful day.

“Lots of smiles and laughter from everyone,” he said.

Florala High School Principal Max Whittaker echoed McGlaun.

“We have had a good day,” he said. “Very typical type of first day with a lot of excited students and teachers.”