Mayor Angel Taveras and Superintendent Susan Lusi greeted school bus drivers early Wednesday morning on the first day of school in Providence.
"We want to take an opportunity to spend a little time with everyone," Taveras said.
The mayor said success will only be possible if everyone, from the teachers to the parents, is on board.
The district is still recovering from an educational black eye after nearly all teachers were laid off last school year. The teachers were only rehired after reaching a contract agreement.
Both Taveras and Lusi said they're ready to move forward.
"Teachers have gone through a tough time and I'm looking forward to rebuilding that relationship," Taveras said.
"I've been extremely impressed with the level and commitment on the part of our teachers," Lusi said.
Stephanie Bassett, a Providence mother agreed. She hopes the entire district can remain on one accord for the students.
"There are kids looking at them so they need to set an example of instead of dividing themselves, they need to unite themselves," Bassett said.
Taveras told NBC 10 the biggest challenge this year will be attendance. He said too many of the city's students fail to attend class on a regular basis and that better interaction and communication between the parents and teachers will help remedy the issue.
Most children returned to school after the first day of class was delayed because of Tropical Storm Irene.
Thirty-two of the city's 35 schools reopened Wednesday.
City officials said school buildings emerged largely unscathed by the storm.
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