“Smile, it’s your first day of school!” The (usually) dreaded sentence for kids, and the prized moment for parents — the once-a-year, back-to-school photo.

Whether you’re home-schooled, public-schooled, private-schooled, charter-schooled, or college-bound, the back-to-school photo is more than just a photo. It’s the quick moment of nervous excitement that will soon be forgotten amid overdue homework and Friday night football games. It’s a symbol of the important relationship between children, parents and education.

Thanks to our community for submitting these special moments below. 

'Back to school in a truckload! Proud college bound girl!' --Judy S.

‘Back to school in a truckload! Proud college bound girl!’ (Photo: Judy S.)

Photo: Michael K.

Photo: Michael K.

'Entering freshman and 4th grader!!' Photo: Kim W.

‘Entering freshman and 4th grader!!’ Photo: Kim W.

'All five of attend a Utah charter school.' (Photo: Jonathan S.)

‘All five of attend a Utah charter school.’ (Photo: Jonathan S.)

'She's officially a grader!' (Photo: Joelynn S.)

‘She’s officially a grader!’ (Photo: Joelynn S.)

'She was so excited!' (Photo: Linda D.)

‘She was so excited!’ (Photo: Linda D.)

The first day of school deserves a thumbs up. (Photo: Sandra R.)

The first day of school deserves a thumbs up. (Photo: Sandra R.)

'Our son Dylan's first day of school!' (Photo: Kess)

‘Our son Dylan’s first day of school!’ (Photo: Kess)