VIDALIA, La. – Thanks to advanced planning, the first day of school was smooth sailing for those at Vidalia Lower Elementary School.

&uot;It’s been the smoothest first day ever,&uot; said Una Knapp, a second-grade teacher.

The school held a &uot;Meet the Teachers Day&uot; Friday to give teachers and students a chance to take care of school supplies and to get a jump on the school year. &uot;The kids came knowing their teachers this morning (Monday) and not near as apprehensive,&uot; said Donna Woodruff, a second-grade teacher.

Principal Gary Parnham said Monday was his smoothest first day in 24 years.

Organization and a good staff is the key; a good staff that is ready to get back to school, he said. &uot;Everybody here is ready to go,&uot; he said.

All schools in the Concordia Parish School District began classes Monday with less than 4,000 students expected to enroll this year.

Tish Parker said her two sons, had been looking forward to the start of school. &uot;I love it. I just love it,&uot; said her son, Avery Parker, who is in the second-grade. &uot;I just like the work.&uot;

His younger brother, Payton Parker, starts kindergarten today, but his time spent in preschool should help him with the adjustment, his mother said. &uot;He’s been in school for two years so he’s kind of used to the routine by now,&uot; Tish Parker said.

Gay Cross, a first-grade teacher, said parents can help their children in school by helping them with reading and math skills.&160;They also need to make sure children get plenty of rest and stick to a schedule.

&uot;Get a routine and keep it,&uot; she said.

Parents should also work on their child’s listening skills. This means having a consequence in place if a child does not do as asked on the first or second request, she said.