The count is up 210 from a year ago. Officials say they expect the count to rise during the week and increase again after Labor Day.

Dr. Vivian Baker, superintendent for the Belton school district, said the first day went smoothly and she was pleased with what she saw during her tour of all campuses that she began shortly after 8 a.m.

“Schools were practicing their routines that establish behavior and it was good to see the students - especially elementary and middle school age - practicing the routines.”

Dr. Baker said some of the routines involve movements in the hallways and common areas such as going to the drinking fountains.

She said she did not see any bottlenecks in traffic as parents dropped children at the front doors.

“All the kids had on their first day of school best,” she said. “And all the buildings had been worked on during the summer and were at their shining best.”

Many had new paint, carpet and water fountains, she said.

She said the principals and teachers seemed excited to see their students again.

At Leon Heights Elementary School on Main Street, as children arrived Monday, their eyes danced with excitement and expectation.

Jocelin Castillo, 6, who started the first grade, broke away from her mother, Tracye, in the middle of the crosswalk. She skipped, then ran to the campus.

Principal Barrett Pollard said starting school is one of life’s passages for the youngest children. It can be an emotional time.

“But I think I saw more parents crying than I did kids,” Pollard said with a soft laugh.

“We are having a breakfast for the parents,” he said. “It’s the first day of school for them, too. It’s tough.”

Pollard said the breakfast gives parents time to get to know each other and network since they now have a common tie.

On the other hand, for some parents, it’s old hat, Pollard said.

“On Meet the Teacher night I met one mom who had the last of seven kids going through the system,” Pollard said.

For parents like that there are no tears, he said. They know what to do.

Parents regard Leon Heights as something special. “It’s the smallest school in Belton ISD,” he said. “But that makes it like a close-knit family.”

Pollard said he told students Monday about a new program during announcements.

“Those with perfect attendance at the end of six weeks will take part in a perfect attendance celebration with games and a chance to win a new bicycle,” he said.

Monday was a first day for Pollard, too. He started as new principal at Leon Heights.

He had served as assistant principal at Southwest Elementary for two years. Prior to that, he taught junior and senior business courses at Tarleton State University–Central Texas.

“We have been preparing for this day for two months,” Pollard said. “We are ready for the kids.”