Backpacks, buses and bright beginnings as Memphis students return to school

Students settle into the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Kirby Middle School on Monday, Aug. 3, while teachers, staff and families welcomed them back to the classroom. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)Students settle into the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Kirby Middle School on Monday, Aug. 3, while teachers, staff and families welcomed them back to the classroom. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, joined by school board members and district leaders, greets students and visits classrooms at Kirby Middle School during the district’s First Day of School Tour on Monday, Aug. 3. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)Students settle into the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Kirby Middle School on Monday, Aug. 3, while teachers, staff and families welcomed them back to the classroom. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)Students settle into the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Kirby Middle School on Monday, Aug. 3, while teachers, staff and families welcomed them back to the classroom. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)Students settle into the first day of the 2026-27 school year at Kirby Middle School on Monday, Aug. 3, while teachers, staff and families welcomed them back to the classroom. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) Backpacks were filled, buses were rolling and classrooms were prepped on Monday morning, Aug. 3, as Memphis and Shelby County students began a new school year. At Kirby Middle School, students lined up outside in crisp new uniforms, their backpacks loaded with fresh supplies. While some chatted with their peers, others waited anxiously for the doors to open.