NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The first day of school has arrived for many districts and while officials say they look forward to a return to normal, their focus will definitely be a bit different this year.

Staff at LaSalle Prep in Niagara Falls say this year the focus is to help kids alleviate anxiety and ease them back into a normal environment.

Safety is always a top priority, so both entrances have a weapons detection system for both bus riders and walkers.

Supply chain issues have affected school lunches but LaSalle got creative by implementing more fresh local food and restructuring lunch time so kids get more socialization.

Adding movie nights after school and special events is something staff says they look forward to this year to get kids off of social media and back to learning in person.

“So we're just trying to get it back to where the school is part of the community and everyone is welcome," said Assitant Principal Roland Davis. "And it's more than just regular school day teaching in a class, it's extended to the community.”

School officials say something new district-wide is high school will start 20 mins later this year to help alleviate those bus shortage issues.