Nova Maradade (right) runs down the front slope of Abbot-Downing Elementary School with her twin sisters, Callie and Thea after getting their picture taken in front of the welcome sign on the first day of school on Wednesday.
Nova Maradade (right) runs down the front slope of Abbot-Downing Elementary School with her twin sisters, Callie and Thea after getting their picture taken in front of the welcome sign on the first day of school on Wednesday. Credit: GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

It’s the day of the year that many dread – a return to school – yet always ends up with smiles all around. The Monitor visited schools in the region to capture the annual return to school.