“It’s another way of people providing information to the district,” Becoats said of the new texting service to report bullying, weapons and drugs, adding that students may be more likely to do so if they don’t have to identify themselves.

Students can report concerns via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword “DPSTIP” at the beginning of the message; through the district website at dpsnc.net/textatip; or at tipsubmit.com.

Becoats began his day at Northern High, where he spoke with seniors about graduation. Then, at Hillandale Elementary, he helped direct traffic at the beginning of the school day.

He moved on to Brogden Middle, where he toured classrooms and spoke to reporters.

“It’s almost like they were at school yesterday,” Becoats said as he toured the quiet halls of Brogden. He credited the work of district staff over the summer to ensure a smooth transition to the start of the school year.

Brogden seventh-grader Aidan Halpin said the day had gone well for him, after the initial shock of getting up at 6:30 a.m.

“It wasn’t easy,” Halpin said. “I’ve been getting up at 12 each day over the summer, so it wasn’t easy.”

Eighth-grader Bobby Fuller said waking up had been the toughest part of his day as well. “I set my alarm clock for 6,” he said. “I didn’t want to get up, but I had to.”

Seventh-grader Johanna Ayala said she had already had to make some adjustments from in her second year at Brogden.

“I’m with some students I don’t know as well,” she said. “I’m trying to get used to new teachers.”

Also at Brodgen on Monday was district Chief Human Resources Officer Tina Hester, who gave an update on staffing.

The district is 98 percent staffed as of Monday, with 39 teaching vacancies, mostly in math and science classes, and for working with exceptional or academically gifted students. Hester said she hoped to fill the positions by the end of the week.

The district also has two new principals this school year: Arrica Moseley-Dubose at Fayetteville Street Elementary and LaManda Pryor at W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle.

A new school opened Monday – Lucas Middle on Snow Hill Road in northern Durham County. Only sixth- and seventh-graders began school there Monday. Eighth grade will be added next school year.

Also new to the district this school year is Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy, a program that allows dropouts to receive a degree through a nontraditional program. The program has accepted 85 students, 50 to attend from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 35 to attend from 2:45 to 6:45 p.m.

This will be the first year of new Common Core statewide standards for math and reading. District Chief of Staff Lewis Ferebee said Common Core, which replaces the ABCs of Education testing in place for 16 years, will promote deeper understanding of a few subjects rather than teaching students a little about a lot of subjects.

Board of Education Chairwoman Heidi Carter also was at Brogden on Monday, along with school board members Minnie Forte-Brown, Natalie Beyer and Leigh Bordley.

“I thought the buildings looked really sparkling clean and inviting,” Carter said. “The teachers seemed glad to be welcoming their students back, and the students seemed glad to be back at school.”