IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)– It’s back to school time in Acadiana, and one parish is starting a week earlier than others.

In Iberia Parish, teachers are gearing up for a new school year a week earlier than other public schools in Acadiana and at North Lewis Elementary, the administration welcomed a few new faces to the district.

Each year in Iberia Parish, upwards of 50 teachers retire, relocate or simply don’t return. This school year the district is welcoming more than 75 new teachers.

Monday and Tuesday, the new staff is getting a firsthand lesson of what is expected of them and their students.

Carey Laviolette, a 38-year education professional, is the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Iberia Parish, she tells KLFY, this year, school is starting a week earlier to compensate for additional days the students will have off.

“We had been approached to have a week off for Mardi Gras so, we will have that. Also, there is an additional whole day of professional development for teachers that was added to the calendar.”

According to Principal Tim Rosamond, he thinks the kids are excited for the new year but the parents even more so,

“Ready or not for a new school year, the kids are coming. So we better be ready. I know the kids are excited. Every kid that I see around town, shopping for school supplies uniforms, the kids are very ready and excited about school, I think the parents are a little more excited about school starting.”

Rosamond told News 10, Friday will mostly consist of getting everyone back in the routine, but for parents to not be surprised if kids come home with homework since academics come first at North Lewis Elementary School.