Hannah Keeton, right, a K-3 multi-handicapped teacher at Holmes Elementary in Wilmington, does some laminating in preparation for the start of the school year with some help from her sister-in-law, Anna Keeton. Most local schools begin the 2016-17 year in less than two weeks.

Holmes Elementary third-grade teacher Sarah Goforth prepares her room for the first day of school. She is in her third year at Holmes.

Third-grade teacher Alicia West, in her second year at Holmes Elementary and her 14th year of teaching overall, gets her room ready for students.

Hannah Keeton, right, a K-3 multi-handicapped teacher at Holmes Elementary in Wilmington, does some laminating in preparation for the start of the school year with some help from her sister-in-law, Anna Keeton. Most local schools begin the 2016-17 year in less than two weeks.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_Hannah-and-Anna-1.jpgHannah Keeton, right, a K-3 multi-handicapped teacher at Holmes Elementary in Wilmington, does some laminating in preparation for the start of the school year with some help from her sister-in-law, Anna Keeton. Most local schools begin the 2016-17 year in less than two weeks. Tom Barr | News Journal

Holmes Elementary third-grade teacher Sarah Goforth prepares her room for the first day of school. She is in her third year at Holmes.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_goforth-1.jpgHolmes Elementary third-grade teacher Sarah Goforth prepares her room for the first day of school. She is in her third year at Holmes. Tom Barr | News Journal

Third-grade teacher Alicia West, in her second year at Holmes Elementary and her 14th year of teaching overall, gets her room ready for students.

http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/08/web1_West-1-1.jpgThird-grade teacher Alicia West, in her second year at Holmes Elementary and her 14th year of teaching overall, gets her room ready for students. Tom Barr | News Journal