FAIRBANKS — The first day of high school this year will be reserved for incoming freshmen and new students to participate in the innovative Ignition program, which is designed to build a positive transition for newcomers.

The first day of school throughout the district is Tuesday for grades 1-9, new students in grades 10-12 and all charter schools.

All other high school students in grades 10-12 start school on the following day, Wednesday.

The Ignition program was started four years ago at Lathrop High School and slowly grew each year. Now, with West Valley and Hutchison High schools joining in, all high schools in the district are involved.