OKOLONA, Miss. (WTVA)-It's a new year and a new grade for students in Okolona, but behind the scenes teachers have been working towards the first day of school for weeks.
"We have to get our desks ready, we have to get packets ready for our students with material that needs to go home and be filled out," says first grade teacher Brenda Stubbs.
"Basically you have to be sure you have supplies for your students," says special needs teacher Marjie Marley. "We need pencils and paper, and icebreakers for the first few days of school."
Teachers say one of the most challenging things about the first day of school is putting names with faces.
Icebreakers help this issue, but also can help the child be successful in that class.
"If you have a good relationship with your students then they are more comfortable with you, and you know what they are able to do and what they aren't able to do," says Marley.
Another problem teachers face is making sure the younger students adjust to their new classrooms.
One kindergarten teacher says the parents can help.
"If the child feels their mom or dad is sad about them leaving they are going to be sad," says Melissa Allen. "If the parents will act excited [about school] the children will be excited."
For any age or grade teachers say it's important for parents to step in the night before the first day of class.
"Just be sure the night before they get plenty of rest," says Stubbs. "They need to get up early in the morning, eat breakfast, and arrive on time."
