Local superintendents said the first day of school was a success.

Andalusia and Opp City Schools both went back to school yesterday.

ACS Superintendent Ted Watson said administrators and students had a great day.

“I think our administrators had a great plan for the first day,” Watson said. “Basically it is a day of running through schedules and routines. I think today was definitely a textbook first day.”

Through his 34 years in education, Watson said his mind always goes to the same thing on the first day of school.

“The first thing I always think about is if the kids got to school and back home safely,” Watson said. “Again, the first day is about establishing routines and establishing expectations. Ruts are generally not good things, but when it comes to education, it’s a good place to be because everyone knows where they need to be, what they need to do and how they are supposed to do it. Once we establish that, then we can get on to the business of teaching and learning.”

The thing that Watson is looking forward to the most this year is preparing the kids for their life.

“The main thing we want to do is be successful in making lifetime learners of our students,” Watson said. “We want them to be productive citizens every day. We will grow a little bit every day making sure that we make every kid a better part of society.”

Opp Superintendent Michael Smithart said it was a typical first day for his students and administrators.

“We had a lot of excitement here in Opp,” Smithart said. “Obviously the biggest challenge is working through a couple of scheduling conflicts and making sure bus routes and lunch lines work out, but we didn’t have anything unexpected.”

Over his 24 years in education, Smithart said the excitement is still the same.

“There is always anticipation for what the year holds for us,” Smithart said. “It is always nice to get kids back in the buildings. That is why we are in this business.”

Smithart said he is looking forward to seeing what his teachers can do throughout the year.

“We have some new strategies to help our students succeed,” Smithart said. “So, I am looking forward to seeing those being implemented by our staff and see them reach their fullest potential.”