School grounds came to life and classrooms flooded with children Monday as more than 4,000 Mountain Area students went back to school to begin their 2012-13 year.

While most students entered freshly cleaned school rooms, students at Oakhurst Elementary entered a seemingly new school since their main entrance, and drop off area, underwent a major make-over during the summer.

Kathleen Murphy, OES principal, said information was sent to parents for a smooth transition and says she'd give them an A- for their efforts. Student valets even picked children up from their parent's vehicles and escorted them to their classrooms.

Even with severe budget cuts, schools will continue to offer as many programs as possible throughout the new school year.