Back to class in the New Madrid County R-1 School District

Amelia Vires gets a welcome back hug from Miss Nikki on the first day of the 2024-25 school year. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Graham Jordan gets one last hug and a kiss from his mom Jessie Jordan before heading to his desk on his first day of kindergarten on Aug. 19 at New Madrid Elementary School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

First grader Tyler Decker seems to be offering brother Andrew some advice before he heads off for his first day of class at New Madrid Elementary School on Aug. 19. Also on hand for Tyler's first day were his mom and dad, Justin and Ashley. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Students across the New Madrid County R-1 School District started class on Aug. 19. Above a student makes his way inside New Madrid Elementary School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Bentley Sherrion went right to work doing a bit of coloring on his first day as a kindergarten student at New Madrid Elementary School on Aug. 19. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

(Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Landyn Davis points out his name to his kindergarten teacher Caitlen Pavy before hanging up his backpack on the first day of class at New Madrid Elementary School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School's senior class gathered for sunrise on the river prior to heading off for the first day of school on Aug. 19. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Julian Ivie gets some reassurance from his parents, Mandy and Cody Ivie as he prepares to start the first day at New Madrid Elementary School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

The entire family came to New Madrid Elementary School on Aug. 19 for Olivia Brown''s first day of class. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Elysa Martin, left, and Amelia Vires check out their new boxes of colors on their first day of the school year at New Madrid Elementary School. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)