Dorchester Two Heads Back to School

Monday marked the start of school for most students in Summerville.

Post your back-to-school photos or encouraging comments to students!

The 2012-2013 school year began for more than 23,000 Dorchester District Two students across 22 school sites with heavy traffic presenting the only challenge, according to district officials.

School buses delivered children a little behind schedule at several schools but this is typical during the first few days of school.

Student counts on the first day showed numbers increased by 836 students over the first day of class last year with an unofficial total of 23,204 students in attendance today. Last year’s first day count was anincrease of 484 over the first day in 2011, and the school year ended with a total increase of 600 students.

Superintendent Joe Pye stated that he feels that this is an indication student enrollment will continue to increase this year.

"I am concerned that this large increase in students on opening day means that we will see higher growth numbers than in recent years. This will add to an already over-crowded system with almost all buildings at or over capacity," Pye said.

The school showing the highest growth today was with an increase of 151 students bringing their total to 1,213.

District staff members were at all school sites to assist schools on the first day and also to identify any problem areas in school operations. All staff reported very few problem areas that could not be taken care of with minor adjustments.

On Thursday, Pinewood Prep started back. 

Updated 6 p.m. Aug. 20 to add information from the district.