HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – With music, cheers and more staff, Mary T. Christian Elementary School in Hampton welcomed kids back to their first day of school on Monday, Aug. 26.

Principal Lynette Nelms said she loved seeing the little champions.

“We had a deejay, an opportunity for parents to take pictures, balloon arches. You know, it was just really exciting and we want to keep this energy going the whole year,” Nelms said.

School Board members Ann Stephens Cherry and Tina Banks-Gray Ed.D. cheered loudly as they welcomed students.

“We’re excited for the school year, and we are so happy to have them back at the best school district, Hampton city schools,” Gray said.

“And the fact that every one of our students, no matter what school they walk into today, they’re walking into a school that’s 100% accredited,” Cherry said, sharing the same excitement.

Che Griffin dropped off his daughter who’s in the 7th grade.

“I just got to be there for my baby to support as much as we can, you know as parents, that’s all we can do these days.”

Parents also must be mindful of COVID-19 which is on the rise in Virginia.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 there were 7,383 covid cases in the state. Hospitalizations are also on the rise, but children are a low percentage of that statistic.

However, parents must still remember to have their kids wear masks if they do have covid and to remind them to frequently wash their hands to stay safe and healthy throughout the school year.