DeKalb County School District employees began filing into the Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth this morning, greeted by a DJ playing R&B and rap classics.

It was the beginning of a mandatory pep rally to prepare DeKalb County teachers for their first day of school Monday.

The district announced the back-to-school convocation on its website in July. It was met mostly with criticism from educators about the fact the three-hour event was taking place during their last planning day before they welcome students on Monday, though others were supportive.

Employees arrived wearing shirts representing their respective schools. Many had pom poms of various colors and light sticks they waved as the DJ entertained before the program began.

Many arrived in school buses for the event held in Duluth. At least one bus experienced issues on the way. Teachers said one bus only held two teachers, with many choosing to drive.

One teacher said Friday morning that a last-minute departure time change meant many arriving to the district's Stone Mountain headquarters missed their bus and were forced to drive.

Check in later at ajc.com for more reporting on the event.

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