As the new school year kicks off, Erie News Now is working to bring you the most complete back-to-school coverage.

Students in Millcreek Township are the last to return to school on Tuesday.

This marks the second year on the job for Millcreek school superintendent Dr. John Cavanaugh. He’s been with the district for a couple of decades in various roles from principal to director of curriculum.

McDowell High School is seeing an earlier start this year to make the busing process smoother.

A new cell phone ban is also now in place at the high school level.

"Coming from my background originally be at the middle school level, that's the policy we've always followed," said Cavanaugh. "The kids came to the building, they put their phones in lockers, they went out with the school day. They survived just fine. They got to the high school, and we started to let them have a little more freedom with it. It just leads to so many distractions these days with kids. Taking the distraction away, you try to get the focus back on education will be helpful."

Students are also receiving some additional support.

"At the high school level, we've added additional counselor at both of our buildings," said Cavanagh. "We've always had three counselors because our high schools are rather large. We now have a fourth counselor there. We have our student assistance program (SAP) mental health counselors in both our buildings. We're trying to be a little bit more proactive and find the students who may be in need before it becomes a crisis situation and be able to help them."