Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: Brendan Sullivan Second grader Tyler Shiver, 7, gives a hug to his former first grade teacher Stacy Crisler beside Shiver's grandmother Linda Shiver during registration at Starling Elementary in Grayson on Thursday. Starling Elementary a school for around 980 kindergarten through 5th grade students will go back to school on Monday. Students and parents were able to meet their teacher, view their classroom, sign up for committees, view their bus schedule and meet fellow classmates.

SUWANEE -- Fear not, stressed out parents, the first day of school is getting really close.

Nearly 162,635 students in Gwinnett County Public Schools will end the summer break and file into the classroom on Monday for the start of the 2012-13 academic year.

Dan Seckinger, a GCPS board member, said it's "always a big deal and an exciting time of the year. As a parent, it's fun watching the kids get excited too."

In 2012-13, the district will operate 132 facilities, including 77 elementary schools, 26 middle schools, 19 high schools and 10 special entities. It will open no new facilities, but will expand the Gwinnett Online Campus to include middle school students. In addition, there are about 265 students who are new to the district.

While many Gwinnett schools held an open house on Thursday, district officials are encouraging parents to check school websites for dates and times of planned back-to-school activities.

Those who attended open house and registration activities on Thursday visited their schools and classrooms, meeting new teachers and getting information about the new year.

For ongoing, updated information from the district, visit www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

The first day of school for city of Buford students is today, while Barrow County Public Schools students begin on Aug. 13. City of Buford students can visit www.bufordcityschools.org, and Barrow County students can visit www.barrow.k12.ga.us.

162,635: Projected enrollment

132: Schools

11: New principals

$2: The price of a student lunch

1,834: No. of school buses

7,534: No. of school bus routes