As Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” played over loudspeakers, representatives of Bryan County Emergency Services, the military and the South Bryan County Recreation Department greeted students this morning at McAllister Elementary School.

The school had invited “community helpers” to greet the students in uniform as a way to encourage students to strive for success.

The first break in the schedule will be Sept. 5 for Labor Day, followed by a staff planning day on Oct. 14. Students will get two breaks in November, on Veterans Day and the entire Thanksgiving week.

Bryan County Schools has some 90 new teachers and close to 500 new students. Official enrollment counts will be conducted each of the next two Fridays as well as the Friday after Labor Day.

Students reluctant to see summer end need not worry though. May 24 will be here before you know it.