Staff members of the Butler Area Library, from left, Tiffany Harkleroad, Margaret Hewitt, and Lori Hinderliter welcomed students back to Emily Brittain Elementary during the first day of school Thursday morning. Harold Aughton/Butler Eagle.

Two city elementary schools — Emily Brittain Elementary and Broad Street Elementary — put on the dog for their students, who attended their first day of classes on Thursday.

Students arriving at Emily Brittain Elementary were welcomed with cheering, wishes for a good year and colorful signs held by neighbors and the schools' community partners.

Brian White, superintendent at Butler Area School District, arrived at the school as students were being ushered inside.

"I'm thrilled to see the energy and support from the community," White said. "I know the kids appreciated it and you can feel their positive energy as they walk into the school."

Vanessa Boyd, principal at Broad Street Elementary, was pleased with the positive turnout on Thursday morning at the school, which reopened this year after a six-year closure.

Many parents used the huge yard sign reading "Welcome Broad Street Scholars" as a photo opportunity on Thursday morning.

"We had lots of smiling faces this morning," Boyd said.

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