Students going to the Foothills School Division will be hitting the books today - well most of them.

For Senator Riley the only students roaming the halls will be the Grade 6 classes as they adjust to their new school.

Principal Tracey McKinnon said it is a special day.

"We roll out the red carpet and we welcome our new grade sixes," said McKinnon. "With lots of exciting things, they have the run of the school. They will do a scavenger hunt and have a hot dog lunch. It is a really nice day for the kids to feel comfortable roaming the school and exploring without any other kids here."

McKinnon adds it is a way to make them a part of their new school.

At Highwood High school it's Grade 9's only as they also get to explore their new school for one day.

Principal Bryan Brandford said they have a special assembly planned and a barbecue lunch to start things off.

"We want them to have a special day just to get to know our teachers and our school," said Brandford. "One of the big adjustments for them is the fact that they are moving around in a much larger building. It gives all of our teachers an opportunity to be out and about and meet the kids."  

Brandford is also looking forward to getting the football season going and he thinks it is going to be a great year for the team.

Joe Clark Principal Marsi Quarin-Wright said the teachers are excited to have the students back.

We are going to meet as a whole school in the gym for a welcome back hoorah, kids will go back to their classrooms with their teachers get reacquainted with their friends and then begin their year of learning."

Quarin-Wright said enrollment at the school is up and she believes it is going to be a great school year.