If you’ve noticed an increase in traffic during your morning commute, it might be because schools across the state opened their doors this week.Schools in Gilmer and Fannin county began on Wednesday, while Pickens county schools will begin the following Monday. Police in all three counties were out in force monitoring traffic to ensure safe travel for buses and parents.

This year, parents and students may notice a few changes including: new immunization requirements, changes to nutritional guidelines, and even a few cosmetic improvements.

Parents walking their children at Gilmer Elementary on the first day of school.