Tuesday was the first day of school for many Long Island students.

While children reunited with friends and staff, parents looked on, waving goodbye with smiles and words of encouragement.

Among things parents told News 12 they worry about: school shootings and outsiders entering school buildings.

At Forest Lake Elementary School in Wantagh, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder greeted families to let them know that police are “on their team.”

Wantagh Superintendent John McNamara detailed security protocols, including regular safety drills and visitor protocols.