Students at Colonel Smith Middle School exit the bus as a Soldier volunteer looks on. Soldiers from across the installation helped with traffic and directed students to their classrooms while senior leaders welcomed students at each of the three scho...

Students at Colonel Smith Middle School are welcomed for their first day of school by Fort Huachuca's senior leaders. Soldiers across the installation helped with traffic and directed students to their classrooms on the first day of school Aug. 2 he...

Soldiers of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion took photos of Families in a portable photo booth at Colonel Johnston Elementary School set up especially for the first day of school. Soldiers from across the installation helped with traffic and ...

Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- Students across Fort Huachuca waited at bus stops, walked or rode their bikes to their respective schools in eager anticipation of the first day of school Aug. 2.

Bonnie Austin, superintendent, Fort Huachuca Accommodation School District, said they "are so excited [for the first day of school]. The schools look amazing, the teachers are just there and ready to get going on their classrooms."

Austin's recommendations for a successful school year were to make sure "children are well rested, have a good breakfast in the morning, and a steady place to do their homework."

Austin also reminded drivers that with the start of school, students are "out and about walking and riding their bikes to school, [and drivers should] remember to observe the speed limits and be aware of students on their way to school."

Sandy Larson, principal, Colonel Smith Middle School, said they had a lot of exciting things going on this year.

"On the first day of school we're welcoming all the new kids that are coming from all over the world," she said. "We are a highly transient population, and we welcome that."

Larson said they were looking forward to meeting the students and teachers for the new school year.

This year, Colonel Smith Middle School will have some new projects,, including developing a space at the school full of STEM opportunities.

"That classroom is being developed as we speak," she said.

Larson said it's important students be ready to learn each day by being on time and having breakfast.

At Colonel Johnston Elementary School, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion volunteers helped children find their way to their classrooms and set up a portable photo booth for Families to take candid snap shots from the first day of school.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jason McCoy, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, said once the volunteers were done with the photos they "will help the teachers get the kids in their classrooms."

McCoy was impressed with how many students and Families were participating in the first day of school activities.

"It's a pretty good turnout," he said.