Excitement mixed with a little bit of shyness told the story of the first day of school at Beaver Ridge Elementary on Monday morning.

Principal Karen Lillard welcomed parents and students as they navigated through the congested parking lot and drop-off area before they arrived inside the school. For kindergarten students, their nervousness and hesitation might only have been surpassed by their parents’ own apprehension. But Lillard said she reassured them that they’re welcome to check in on their child if need be.

In the classrooms, students were looking forward to reading, math and social studies.