School is back in session in Wayne County, as Wednesday, Aug. 6, was the first day of instruction for most districts.
Parents hugged and kissed their children goodbye, as educators welcomed them with open arms back into the classroom.
Millicent Martin Emery, DAJO Photos and Joshua Smith captured the following photos for Western Wayne News.
Western Wayne Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Miller hugs fourth grader Gabrielle Desonie and greets Gabrielle’s sister, third grader Athena Reed, as they start their school year. Photo by Millicent Martin Emery 
Wearing a back-to-school shirt, Western Wayne Elementary fourth grader Ben Runyon heads into the building after being greeted by Principal Elizabeth Miller. Photo by Millicent Martin Emery 
Photo by Millicent Martin Emery 
Photo by Millicent Martin Emery 
Mila Dale (from left), Emma Waters and Devan Flood pose for a first day of school picture Wednesday, Aug. 6, outside Centerville-Abington Elementary School. Photo by DAJO Photos 
Beth Lahrman (mother) and her daughter Madeline Lahrman walk across the parking lot toward the Centerville Abington Elementary’s entrance on the first day of school Wednesday, Aug. 6. Photo by DAJO Photos 
Photo by DAJO Photos 
Katy McNamara talks to reluctant kindergartner Mila Welch as she is dropped off by Elizabeth Holbert at Northeastern Elementary School Photos by Joshua Smith 
Photos by Joshua Smith 
Photos by Joshua Smith 
Photos by Joshua Smith 
Photos by Joshua Smith 
Photos by Joshua Smith
A version of this article will appear in the August 13 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.