Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - It was quite the send-off for students of Hartford's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School today.
Students were greeted by the group Calling All Brothers, as well as local and state leaders to welcome them back for the first day of the 2023-24 school year.
The kids entered the building to rousing cheers and applause.
"Look at the energy, look at the smiles," said Governor Lamont. "Just saying hi to these kids and saying we love them and welcome back."
Hartford hired nearly 200 new teachers for the school year but there still several dozen vacancies.
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez said her message for the new year is one of "mentorship, partnership, opportunity to talk to our young people. We can only do it together."