SALAMANCA — Students in the Salamanca City Central School District were up bright and early Tuesday morning for the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

“Seeing our students and staff walk through the doors this morning reminded us of how much we’ve missed the heartbeat of our school community. Your smiles, your energy, your presence — it means everything,” a post from district officials on the school’s Facebook page read. “Thank you for being here today. Let’s make this year unforgettable!”

Both Tuesday and Wednesday were half-days for students, but many of them had the opportunity to see their classrooms and visit with teachers the week prior at the annual welcome back picnics held at Prospect Elementary on Aug. 26 and at the Iroquois Drive campus on Wednesday for Seneca Intermediate and the high school.

“These picnics are a wonderful way to ease into the new school year, reconnect with staff, and build excitement for what’s ahead,” school officials said.

At Prospect Elementary, students and their families had the opportunity to meet teachers, interact with classmates and get comfortable with the school environment before the year began. At the high school and Seneca Intermediate, students and parents had the chance to explore the building, locate classrooms and lockers and get a feel for the layout ahead of the first day.

Two Salamanca students walk from their buses into Prospect Elementary School Tuesday morning, the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

Over the weekend, seniors in the Class of 2026 gathered to celebrate the start of their final year with a special Senior Sunrise. And while the sun chose to stay hidden, the spirit of the morning was nothing short of bright.

Together, the seniors shared food, laughter, memories and meaningful moments. A highlight of the morning came when elders shared heartfelt words of wisdom, reminding the seniors of the importance of kinship.

Also new for this school year, the Salamanca district is implementing a comprehensive ban on student use of cellphones and internet-enabled devices during the school day in accordance with New York state law.

This policy, in alignment with New York State Education Department guidelines, is designed to support student learning, reduce distractions, and create a more focused and respectful school environment.

Students may not use any internet-enabled device — including smartphones, smartwatches or tablets — at any time during the school day, including homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls and passing periods.

Students will be expected to secure their phones in school-provided on-site storage — student lockers at the high school and Seneca Intermediate and a bookbag or cubby at Prospect Elementary — upon arrival. Devices may not be accessed until the end of the school day.

In keeping with its commitment to support families, the Salamanca district will provide essential school supplies — including notebooks, pens, pencils, paper and more — at no cost. Parents and guardians will only need to supply a pair of sneakers for gym class and a bookbag.

“We’re proud to fulfill our promise to families,” said Board President Theresa Ray. “By covering the cost of supplies, we’re helping ease the financial burden and ensuring every child starts the school year prepared.”

In addition to free school supplies, the district will also offer free breakfast and lunch to every student starting the first day of school. This is made possible by the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying districts to provide meals at no charge to all students — no forms or applications required.