BUFFALO, N.Y. — As summer comes to a close, kids are returning to school.

Some students across Western New York got up, got ready and headed out for the first day of classes on Thursday.

This year, it's back to normal with no masks and kids back in buildings. Many parents and students are wondering what to expect as schools return to a pre-pandemic routine.

One of the local schools beginning the fall semester on Sept. 1 is Elmwood Franklin School. This year marks the 127th school year for the facility.

Head of School Ryan Kimmet described what kids can expect as they arrive on the first day.

"They're gonna see all the smiling faces of their friends and their teachers and everyone in our community," said Kimmet. "Their parents are going to be walking them back into school this time, not dropping them off at the curb. And we just get to celebrate our community and be together."

Schools across the country have been struggling with teacher and bus driver shortages. Districts have been racing to fill those positions as the school year drew closer.

"It's always something we're worried about and thinking about," said Kimmet. "We have great teacher retention here. So our teachers, many of them have been here for many, many years and keep coming back. So we're in good shape for this year. We're excited, we have a wonderful faculty and staff but it is something we're keeping our eyes on for sure."

Safety has been on the minds of a lot of families this year as students return to class. Kimmet says Elmwood Franklin has upgraded its entire safety and security system. Officials have also developed new protocols to make sure everyone in the school community feels safe and can focus on learning.