The Hot Springs Elementary saw 12 upcoming kindergarten students come through the doors Thursday to meet their new teacher.

Teacher Cameron Barber along with school secretary Nancy Winebrenner welcomed the little ones as they walked in through the front door. Winebrenner ensured each student got a huge smile and a welcome hug as they entered the school.

As moms and dads sat in the hallway doing some homework of their own, Barber took each of the children into the library to go through basic education tests.

From hearing them count, to watching them identify shapes and colors, each student got some one-on-one time with Barber.

Kaylee was one of the first prospective new students to arrive. Though her mom said she was excited to start school so she could attend with her brothers and sisters, she was a little shy on the day.

While she waited to take her tests, she was greeted by students and her siblings as they made their way out to the playground for a morning break.

She was full of smiles when Barber asked her about her colors and she was also able to count out loud to nearly 30.

Coming back out of the library, she met up with mom and her 3-year-old brother. Both received a coloring book from Winebrenner to take home.

Emily came in next and was very excited to have walked up the path from the preschool into the big building.

Full of chatter, she said she was very excited to start school next year.

She was also excited to make new friends and be able to come to school with the friends she made in preschool as well.

Not as shy as some others, Emily showed everyone how she could count to 30 and speak clearly.

Winebrenner said they are planning to host a welcome picnic before the school year begins.