The first day of a new school year can be exciting, chaotic and unpredictable for students as they start a new grade.

What some students may not realize is that their teacher may be just as new to their grade level as they are.

But Holly Matson, a teacher at Jemison Elementary, said everything went smoothly as she taught her first group of second-graders Monday.

“I love it so far,” Matson said. “The kids have come in almost like they just left off last year. They’ve really just been great.”

Matson said she has had experience with kindergarten, fifth- and sixth-grade students, but second grade is a new adventure for her.

“I had to mentally prepare myself and get ready for the new school year,” Matson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what they know, what they learned and brought with them from first to second grade.”

According to Matson, her passion for children and penchant for leadership drew her to a career in teaching.

“I absolutely love [the kids], and I love to lead,” she said. “It was the perfect job for me.”

Matson said her fellow teachers, along with JES Principal Louise Pitts and Assistant Principal Sherry Fancher, helped her prepare for this year in the busy days leading up to the students’ return.

“They’ve all just been really helpful,” Matson said. “I’m just really looking forward to the second grade.”

Pitts said Matson avoided the pitfalls some teachers encounter the first day, such as finding the correct lunch line for their students and knowing how each child is getting home in the afternoon.

“She had control in the classroom,” Pitts added. “The children were raising their hands. She was doing an excellent job.”