ARLINGTON – School campuses across Arlington were abuzz as students celebrated their first day back to school.

At Pioneer Elementary, eager parents and siblings waited outside the main entrance with smart phones set on photo or video to capture the day. Buses and parent vehicles formed a line around the side and back of the building.

When school got out, the crossing guards opened the doors to let groups of students walk the gauntlet to find their parents. Kids dressed in summer shorts and sleeveless shirts were still in seasonal vogue for school carried backpacks and homework.

Some families live close enough to the school to walk.

That was the case for Truc and Thii Pham, who waited to greet fifth-grade daughters Lam and Linh.The girls arrived from Vietnam three months ago, so the experience is new to them.

“It is strange for everyone in our family,” Truc Pham said in broken English. “They like it though. They are having fun and able to communicate with their friends.”

Mom Stephanie, joined by her youngest daughter Gabby, spotted first-grade sister Stella, who was all smiles after a fun day.“She was really excited to start,” Stephanie said.