Roughly 700 kids are in the middle of learning new subjects and names of classmates after receiving a huge, loud welcome on their first day back.
Nearly 100 men from Calling All Brothers cheered and high-fived as kids filed off the bus and into the classroom at Sarah Rawson Elementary. They gave special cheers to fathers taking their kids to school, all for one purpose.
"We have so many negative images being pushed to children of color about what their life can be and throughout the year, we just show them that this is just a different look," said Pastor A.J. Johnson of Calling All Brothers.
Students of all ages were excited to be back in the classroom.
"I'm excited about reading because there's so much to read and write about," said Khalil Wright, a fifth grader at Martin Luther King School.
"I'm excited for kindergarten. I've got my own homework in there. This is my notebook. This is my folder," added Arielle Perry.
She'll be surrounded by more students this year.
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Khalil is one of 200 middle school students from Martin Luther King School who are making Rawson their home this year while MLK undergoes construction.
He told NBC Connecticut that he has mixed feelings about the new school year.
"Kinda nervous, because I don't know anyone around here. I'm looking forward to learn some math. It's not really my thing, but I'll catch up on math," Khalil said.
For Calling All Brothers, it's not about getting A's, but instead trying your best.
“You can actually go to school, finish. You can write books, you can actually do what it is you’re purposed to do. You’re not just someone just on the street. You’re someone who is valued and someone who is cherished," Pastor A.J. Johnson said.
Calling All Brothers is also collecting polos to donate to students who do not have a school uniform.
