GALLERY: Back to Class at Gaithersburg High School

As the first day of Gaithersburg High School's 2011-2012 academic year kicked off this morning, the construction that will result in a modern school three years from now caused headaches for students, parents and commuters.

With the S. Summit Drive entrance closed, only the Education Boulevard entrance was available for buses, students and parents dropping off their kids.

School staff and police were deployed to help direct traffic and keep walkers safe as they crossed the many congested intersections around the school.

Traffic also backed up on southbound Route 355 as vehicles slowed and turned into the school lot.