NEWSAdded instruction days signal early school year in Oak ParkPrincipal Dr. Joann Wright, left, answers questions for parent Leslie Merriweather and daughter Rilee, 5, during a "Back to School" Orientation at Einstein Elementary School in Oak Park, Michigan on August 18, 2016. School begins earlier this year, on August 30, because of a new Michigan law that adds five instruction days to the calendar.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Nelson family: Shihata, his son Shihata E. Nelson, 8, Kristal, and Christian, 4, organize paperwork and discuss plans for the coming school year, which begins before Labor Day for Oak Park Public Schools students.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsShihata Nelson, 8, colors while his parents listen to orientation instructions. Districts must decide how to incorporate the extra instruction days and can opt to extend the year into June, reduce holiday breaks, or obtain a waiver from the state Department of Education, as Oak Park’s district has done, to bypass a 2005 state law preventing public schools from opening before Labor Day.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsTeacher Jill Hurwitz enthusiastically greets incoming fourth grader Joseph Gross, 9, left, as he introduces himself to his class' teachers.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsBernard Marshall walks his daughter Lauren, 4, through the school to help familiarize her with the layout. She will be a kindergartener this year.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsKindergarten teacher Charlene Sipe prepares her classroom, organizing bins of books.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsPrincipal Dr. Joann Wright, left, talks with Keneisha Spencer about back to school info for Spencer's daughter Hailey, 3, Sterling and her son Dajuan Sterling, 9, right, who will be a fifth grader.Brandy Baker, The Detroit NewsLeslie Merriweather, left, looks over paperwork while daughter Rilee, 5, a kindergartener, picks out a bracelet that says "love to read" from a table of free school supplies.Brandy Baker, The Detroit News