The start of schools in Liberty County was tardy by a week, thanks to Tropical Storm Debby.

Liberty’s schools welcomed 10,352 students on Monday’s first day, and there were 10,341 parents who attended open houses held two weeks ago in advance of the 2024-25 school year.

Students beginning their senior years at Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School were greeted by friends and family for their “last first day,” and students entering schools also got writing instruments handed out by local dignitaries.

“There is probably no more important day than day one,” Roland Van Horn, Bradwell’s principal, said. “They feel welcome. They understand they have support from the administration. It’s important they feel welcome into the school today.”

The school year’s start getting pushed back also won’t be a problem, he noted.

“We have a plan in place to get caught up,” Van Horn said. “I don’t think it will have an adverse effect on us. We understand the task ahead.”

For middle and high school students, they will be placing their cell phones in new Yondr pouches each day. The pouches lock magnetically, and the pouches are unsealed with magnets placed near school building exits.

Van Horn said he had “great conversations” with people in the community over the summer regarding the school system’s new cell phone initiative.

“I don’t anticipate any issues,” he said. “I think people are excited that we get those distractions out of the hands of students. We want to increase achievement, and we think that is going to help us.”

Van Horn expected about 2,000 students on the first day but added about 60 were registering on the first day, so the school’s enrollment may top 2,100. His message to the students was to stay focused.

“Begin with the end in mind,” he said, “and the end is graduation.”