Volunteers worked hard for two days installing the new playground equipment at South Hill’s Centennial Park. Above, Kids=Play student organizers Madilynne Tanner, Nylah Custolow and Olivia Tanner. (Photos by Lisa Clary and Steve Hinzman)

Students returned for the start of the 2018-2019 school year on Monday. Teachers and administrators said the day went relatively smoothly, with the usual assortment of minor scheduling errors, a few tears by parents and children, and grumbles from older students who were told to put away their cellphones and store their backpacks while at school. Superintendent Paul Nichols called Monday “the first day of a great year” and promised that the 2018-19 school year would be “a great year for growth for our schools and students.” Above, students step off the bus at Clarksville Elementary School. (Susan Kyte photo)