A Gloucester mom’s back-to-school photo has gained nationwide attention as it went viral shortly after she posted it online last week.

Jessi Kittrell, owner of Happy Acres Photography, posted the photo of herself sending her daughter Bailey, 5, off to the first day of kindergarten, with a sign that read, “Bye Felicia,” a memorable quote from the 1995 comedy film, “Friday,” which is often used as a dismissive farewell.

She posted the photo to her business page on Facebook last Tuesday. By Monday, it had been shared nearly 12,000 times, had received nearly 17,000 likes and over 1,600 comments. The caption she wrote above the photo read, “And it has arrived, the first day of school (followed by a number of exclamation marks).” She said she couldn’t resist arranging the photo and added, “You all know I am really going to miss her (maybe? lol).”

She sent the photo to WTKR News Channel 3 in Norfolk because the station was looking...