Summer officially comes to a close Friday, when Dawson County schools start back in session that morning.

The Dawson County school system is welcoming back its students for the new 2015-2016 school year.

"We have a staff of over 520 ready to host about 3,500 students on Friday," said School Superintendent Damon Gibbs. "The busses will be rolling bright and early on Friday, and we are excited to start a new school year."

In order to get ready for schools, open houses are being held this week. County elementary school students saw their teachers, both old and new, at open houses yesterday.

Seventh and eighth grade middle school students will have their open house today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the respective schools.

Sixth grade students had the "Camp Middle School" experience this morning, with the normal open house time still available for those unable to attend.

High school students will get to see their newly-renovated building tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m.

Schools will begin bright and early Friday morning, with elementary schools beginning at varied times. Riverview, Kilough and Black's Mill begin classes at 7:50 a.m. Robinson Elementary begins classes at 7:15 a.m.

Middle school classes begin at 7:15 a.m. , while high school classes begin at 7:40 a.m.

"I've been a principal, teacher, coach - a little bit of everything in a school system and there's just something about starting a new school year," Gibbs said. "The community is buzzing with the start of the new year."

Also, officials are reminding both parent and student drivers alike to remember to slow down on the roads with school starting.

Drivers are also reminded to expect delays in morning commutes due to parents and buses being back on the roads starting Friday.