Happy first day of school, Winston-Salem.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or an informed citizen, here’s everything you need to know to make this back-to-school season an A+.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools welcomes about 48,000 students today.

🍎 Changes at the district-level

As the new academic year begins, WS/FCS has eliminated its $43.4 million debt, made possible by significant fundraising efforts, debt forgiveness from the county, and layoffs.

While this is the first day of school in the district for Superintendent Don Phipps, it’ll also be his last. He announced last week that he’ll retire on Oct. 1 — five months before the end of his 15-month contract — in order to care for his aging mother. The board will begin searching for an interim leader on Tuesday.

Speaking of the board of education, at least six new members will be chosen in November’s election. Three current members won their primary races, while the remaining six either lost or are stepping down.

About 200 positions, including 125 teaching roles, need to be filled, the WS/FCS said last week. It expects this number to fluctuate as new hires are made.

This will be the last time Brunson Elementary will utilize its Hawthorne Road facility. After winter break, the school will relocate to a new campus on Patterson Avenue. Meanwhile, students from Cook Elementary — which closed at the end of last school year — are being welcomed at Kimberly Park, Whitaker, and Ashley elementary.

📓 Reminders for parents

Expect bus delays during the first few weeks — WS/FCS is still hiring for about 42 drivers for its 237 routed buses. Download the Edulog bus tracking app and have your student arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early.

Don’t send your student with metal or tinted water bottles. The district banned these types of bottles, including popular brands like Yeti, Owala, and Stanley, for safety reasons. Clear, plastic bottles are allowed.

Daily safety screenings will continue this year at all middle and high schools. — either having students enter through metal detectors or conducting random classroom screenings.

🛍️ Back-to-school shopping

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing.

If you still need supplies or clothes, use our guide to shop locally.

You can also fill a local teacher’s classroom by purchasing an item or two from their wishlists