First day of school at River Oaks Elementary

Nervous jitters, big smiles, hallways echoing the sound of shuffling feet: a sound heard in schools throughout Harrison County as the first day of the new school year got underway.

Dr. Shelly Simmons shared a lot of hugs and conversations with new and returning students at River Oaks Elementary Tuesday. Going into her fifth year as principal, she’s greeted with a lot of familiar faces. It wasn’t so long ago that she was in their shoes, but even at a young age, Dr. Simmons knew she wanted to be an educator. “As far back as I can remember, 12, I was teaching in my room with my chalkboard and I would teach my teddy bears because I knew I wanted to be an educator.”

Kyla Sterling has been a teacher’s assistant for several years, but this is her first day teaching a class of her own students. She’s wasted no time laying down some ground rules for the year. “Stern, consistent, I think that’s the most important thing as far as dealing with kids at this age. You know they have different personalities. You have to have that classroom management.”

Math is first grader Andrea Flores’ favorite subject and it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out what this first grader loves most about school: recess! “I play on the playground and have fun with my friends.”

Dr. Simmons says she has high hopes for the school year and hopes one of these students will follow in her footsteps one day. “It warms my heart every time I see them. You miss them so much during the summer and when you get to see them again it’s such a great feeling.”