FERRIDAY, La. – All in all, Huntington pre-kindergarten teacher Lisa Willard had to say that Monday, the first day of the school year, went fairly smoothly.

By noon, four hours into the first day, only one child was still in tears. And he was soon comforted as new Principal Warren Enterkin began talking to him about the pictures the boy had colored that morning.

&uot;Things have gone well today,&uot; Willard, whose class includes 3- and 4-year-olds, said as her 17 students laid down on mats to take a nap after recess. &uot;We’re just getting familiar with our surroundings and meeting the other boys and girls.&uot;

Trenton Book, 4, a first-time pre-K student, said school was about what he thought it would be. His favorite part of the day? &uot;Playing outside,&uot; he said enthusiastically.

In all, about 240 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students passed through the private school’s doors at 8 a.m. Monday, about the same as last year, Enterkin said.

While pre-K students were getting used to the idea of school, those starting their senior year of high school were getting used to the idea that in a few months, they would be leaving the school for good.

&uot;It’s nerve-wracking, like leaving your family,&uot; said senior Joseph Odenwald, who plans to major in theology at Louisiana College after graduation. &uot;You hate to leave such good people.&uot;

&uot;I don’t like the idea of leaving — I’ve liked high school,&uot; said Wyatt Kemp, who plans to major in engineering at Louisiana Tech.

But classmate Natalie Wike had a different take on the start of the school year.

&uot;I’m ready to get it over with,&uot; she said, adding that she would like to major in physical therapy at either Copiah-Lincoln Community College or Northeast Louisiana University.

Monday was also the first day of Enterkin’s career at Huntington.

&uot;I’ve been getting ready for this day for about six weeks, so I think I’m just about to get into the swing of things,&uot;&160;said Enterkin, who was appointed to the post in early July. &uot;Of course, I was in education for many years, so that helps, too.&uot;

Enterkin, 62, retired five years ago as principal of Vidalia Upper Elementary. The Ferriday area resident had worked for the Concordia Parish School District for 32 years as a teacher and principal in Clayton, Ferriday and Vidalia.

The school had been without a headmaster since May 31, when headmaster Russ Green quit after three years in the post.