The first day of school is quickly approaching, and Rowan-Salisbury teachers returned to the classroom Monday.

Although many teachers worked sporadically over the summer, Monday was their first official day back in the classroom to prepare for their students’ return.

Overton Elementary fourth-grade math and science teacher Rita Picard spent Monday afternoon decorating her classroom. She painted several portions of her room to give it a warmer, more inviting feel, and organized everything she needs for the year. Earlier this summer, she re-covered the chairs in her classroom with new fabric to give them a fresh start.

“I can’t wait to see the kids in here,” she said.

“This is going to be an awesome year,” said Pam Rutherford, as she and teacher assistant Jackie Miller put up a bulletin board in the fifth grade hallway.

Rutherford said she spent a good amount of time at Overton this summer because she switched classrooms this year. With her new classroom comes a new layout and color scheme. She’s made many improvements, such as fun chairs, stools and unique sitting areas for collaborative learning.

“It’s like when you buy a new house,” she said.

There have also been some overall improvements to the school, including newly painted walls and a sensory garden.

“If we’re saying wow, I can only imagine what our kids are going to say when they walk through the door,” she said.

Teachers will attend the district’s back-to-school conference today and tomorrow and a district-wide pep rally Thursday. Students return to school Monday.