Decked out in new uniforms, students at West Primary School began a new school year Thursday.

&uot;I like that smile, T.J.,&uot; said kindergarten teacher Tina Rollins, while talking with one of her new students at the start of class.

The students took their first steps Thursday morning in adjusting to new classes and new teachers.

&uot;You’re always afraid that they won’t get over that,&uot; Rollins said.

It’s a feeling Sherry Martin can understand. Her kindergarten son, LeCardric Easton, did not want to leave preschool.

&uot;So we’ve been coaching him all week to go to kindergarten,&uot; Martin said.

The coaching seemed to have worked. Within minutes, Easton was working quietly on his first-day activity booklet. &uot;He loves school,&uot; his mother said. &uot;(He) just has to get used to a new teacher in a new setting.&uot;

The Natchez-Adams School District, Cathedral School, Holy Family Catholic School and Trinity Episcopal Day School began classes Thursday.

Carrie Cupit, the principal at West Primary School, knows what is needed for a successful first day of school.

&uot;Organization,&uot; she said. &uot;And a caring faculty that’s willing to … help and a positive attitude.&uot;

That positive feeling greeted Sharon Rogers Woods, the mother of first-grader, Tiyja Rogers, Thursday morning. Woods said her son eagerly awaited the start of a new year at school. &uot;He’s been ready to go back. He loves school,&uot; she said. &uot;He’s been worrying me about school all week.&uot;

Hiram Coker said his adopted son, Diant\u00E9 Paris Coker, was excited about entering kindergarten because he has an older sibling in college.

&uot;He just couldn’t wait to get started because he’s ready to go to college too,&uot; Hiram Coker said.

Cupit said she encourages parents to call or come by the office if they have any questions during the school year.