LAKEVIEW — Refreshed from a summer away from books and homework, Lakeview students returned to classes Tuesday.
With Chicago Public Schools kicking off its 2016-17 school year, students and parents flocked to the eight neighborhood elementary schools and Lake View High School.
At Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, 3319 N. Clifton Ave., Principal Nate Pietrini was doling out high fives and chatting with students about their summer vacations.
Students also eagerly greeted one another, embracing after a long summer apart.
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Community businesses like the Chicago Cubs and Whole Foods provided treats for the first day, which Burley Principal Catherine Plocher applauded on Twitter.
Welcome back Burley friends! We missed you. Thanks @Cubs & @WholeFoods for the 1st day apples & pencils for all S's pic.twitter.com/EjeaxP9CZC
— Catherine Plocher (@MsPlocher) September 6, 2016
Plocher and her staff also created a fun back-to-school video introducing students to the educators and giving them a virtual tour of the school.
More than half the schools in Lakeview are starting off the school year with new leaders as principal departures led to quite a few changes in administrators.
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At Lake View High School, Interim Principal Paul Karafiol welcomed 14 new teachers and staff members who join him in a new start at the STEM high school. Despite the staff changes and a new bell schedule, Karafiol assured students that Lake View has the "same old spirit."
Other changes in neighborhood schools include a new dress code at Blaine Elementary, a maker lab at Hamilton and longer recess for its students.
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