The official last day of summer is still several weeks away, but for kids in Escambia County, Monday marked the end of the season as uniforms were donned and buses were loaded for the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.

While most schools in the Atmore area also welcomed a host of new teachers, administrators and other staff members, several local principals said the transition into the new school year was a smooth one.

“It’s been great so far,” Huxford Elementary School Principal Greg Shehan said Monday. “Everyone’s doing great.”

At Escambia County High School, Principal Dennis Fuqua said the first day was one of the best in recent memory.

“I would have to give it a ‘9 out of 10,’” Fuqua said. “It was really, really good.”

Fuqua said the first day of school can often be hectic and confusing, but praised his faculty and staff for making sure things went off without a hitch.

“I think our teachers planned very well for today and I think our students showed up today ready to get a productive school year under way.”

Fuqua said the school also welcomed 10 new faces to the faculty and staff, in roles ranging from teachers to assistant principal to assistant band director.

“They all did very well today,” he said. “I also had about five veteran teachers come up to me and tell me this was the best first day of school of their careers.”

At A.C. Moore Elementary School, Principal John Brantley said his school also welcomed new teachers on Monday, along with the new group of third and fourth graders.

“(The new teachers) have just jumped right in and picked up on how we do things,” Brantley said. “The first day was fantastic. We’re just off to a really fantastic start.”