For North Texans, Monday morning offered a rare shared moment: a uniform start to the school year mandated by the Legislature. For some parents, the day couldn't come soon enough – especially those who endured a summer vacation that lasted an extra couple of weeks and seemed as if it would never end. For some kids, it was a day of reckoning: Time to put up the PlayStation and turn off the tube – at least between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

It was a moment to share one last hug between mother and son at the door to kindergarten. A chance for the veteran teacher to take a deep breath and meet the newest batch of kids spilling into class. And time for the freshman, still struggling with his English, to face his fears.

The Dallas Morning News sent reporters to schools throughout the region to chronicle these shared moments. These are their stories.

Arlington mom, son share secret parting handshake
Michelle Clark waited for it, that moment when she'd know exactly how she and her son Matthew would part. When Matthew, her second child and her first boy, was in preschool, he made it clear that hugs from mom in front of his friends were just not happening anymore.

School bell is music to veteran Dallas teacher's ear
Candace Wicks has seen lots of changes during a 19-year teaching career. But one thing remains constant: that first, fortifying cup of coffee. It's what this veteran of Dallas schools needs to get a running head start on the newest batch of bouncy kids she is about to meet.

Irving student faces new school, new language
Emmanuel Govea begins his walk from his apartment to Irving High School speaking Spanish with friends. Almost immediately upon arriving at school, they are enveloped by a throng of students. Most are Latino. And most are speaking English. Emmanuel becomes silent.

Plano's Schell finally full of kids
Everyone's the new kid at Plano's Schell Elementary school, the school district's newest campus. The school has brand-new classrooms and flat-screen computers. But the lived-in feeling will take time. No nicks yet on the lockers, no pencil marks on the bathroom stalls.