Returning to School: Day One in Photos

The joyful voices of elementary school students filled Chicago Public Schools buildings for the first time in almost a year as K-5 students returned to their schools. Neighborhoods came to life with buses rolling through them, parents and children walking to school, and teachers welcoming students back into the classroom.

Reopening schools has always been about equity and providing families with options to best meet their needs. Tens of thousands of proud parents dropped their children off at school today knowing that they would be well taken care of by dedicated staff who are putting safety first. People say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so take a look below at some of our favorite shots capturing a successful return to school in communities across Chicago.