Tens of thousands of students in the D.C. area are heading back to class.
Students in Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Howard County and D.C. start school Monday.
'Everyone is just thrilled to have the kids back. We have 154,000 kids coming to us this year, 800 more than last year," said Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr.
Starr also spoke about the district's new technology initiative. The county hopes to buy 40,000 Chromebooks for students; they're starting the school year with 12,000 right now.
Police officers in the county will also be out Monday to ticket drivers who pass school buses.
If you pass a bus with an activated stop sign and flashing red lights, it'll cost you $570. You'll also get three points on your license. If one of the new bus cameras catch you it'll be a $125 fine but no points on your license.
D.C. Students Ride for Free
Monday is also the first day of school for students in D.C. and they're getting a free ride to class.
Students can ride the Metrobus and Circulator for free. Participants must have an up-to-date DC One card.
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The program, which started last year, runs from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Students can also ride for free when their school is having a half day or is dismissed early.
Prince George's County's New Electronic Policy
Students in Prince George's County still have one more day of summer vacation, but there's a new electronics policy they should be aware of before heading to class on Tuesday.
This year, students will be allowed to use their cellphones and other electronic devices during class.
But not so fast.
They'll only be allowed to use them for learning purposes.
Each school will decide when and how often electronics will be incorporated to class time.
Previously, students had to turn off their phones inside the classroom.
