Central Unified and other school districts getting ready to celebrate a new school year

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Districts throughout the Central Valley are heading back to school. Over the next three weeks thousands of students will return to the classroom and on Wednesday Central unified kicks off their back to school celebration.

The Central High School East campus on Tuesday looked like the first day of school had come, but students won't hear their first bell until around 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.

"Any time we can start fresh and start new it's always its an exciting time," said Mark Sutton, Central Unified School District Superintendent.

Fitting for the pep rally, faculty and staff of the Central Unified School District sported their colors and mascots with pride.

"It doesn't matter how long you've been in education, a new year brings that new excitement and a new promise," said Sutton.

Also coming in with the new school year-- a new theme. #Impact is going to be used across all social media platforms for Central Unified.

"Were trying to stay with what's hot in the social media world right now, but its just really a simple message. Every day make an impact on kids and make sure kids have a great opportunity on a daily basis," said Sutton.

The theme will also reflect the impact students will have on their community. To support the goal district officials are rolling out a new technology initiative by phasing out the now four-year-old tablets and bringing in Chromebooks, which are expected to arrive in September.

"Were going to start with the Chromebooks in each classroom. And we'll still send our tablets home, but eventually well move to all Chromebooks where well be sending our students home with them," said Sutton.

The more than 16,000 students in the district will have one of their own for core classroom use. Each, cost the district under $300.

"Anything with tech is something that can be another avenue for students to use and to learn when they leave our school sites as well," said Sutton.