Children across Highlands County will begin an adventure in learning Monday when school bells ring to signal the start of the 2013-2014 semesters. Some of those youngsters may not be eager to hit the books while others embrace education.

For many students, school is also the center of their social lives. Especially for younger students, the start of school brings with it the opportunity to reconnect with friends they might not have seen much of during the long, hot days of summer.