Thousands of kids headed back to school Wednesday.

Students made their way to St. Peter Catholic Academy in Gravesend on the first day of school.

School officials at the academy held a back-to-school welcoming party with a DJ and even a mascot named 'Lenny' who dressed up as a lion.

Officials and parents say they want students and their children to be encouraged to have an excellent school year.

New York City Public Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza made special visits today at schools across the five boroughs.