Lori Holt stood near the doorway of Lisa Norton’s kindergarten classroom Friday morning at Cedar Hill Elementary School in Ardmore. She watched her son color and listened to Norton talk to parents about the class handbook and what to expect in the coming school year.

Okley Holt looked up and gave a sly grin to his mom, as his teacher mentioned that she hoped she wouldn’t have to send many notes home.

“He’s 5 and I have twins at home that are 4. So it’s going to be hard not having three boys at home,” said Holt. “I just can’t believe he’s going to be gone from me all day long.”

Okley is one of many students who started school in Limestone County on Friday.

Cedar Hill Elementary School split the kindergarten classes into two days. The first half started on Friday, the second half will start on Tuesday and the whole class will come together on Thursday.

“Small groups are not so overwhelming,” said Norton.

Most parents feel that it is easier on children when they are in preschool before coming to class.

“He was in preschool last year, so we know he’ll do real well,” said Bobby Cowart about his son, Daniel. “Preschool’s important, I think, because it gets the parents ready for this.”

Cowart leaned in and whispered a goodbye into his son’s ear after Norton concluded her introductory discussion. “I hope you have a good day,” he said leaving Daniel there to color.

Daniel’s mom, Keri, said: “I’m a little sad and happy at the same time.”

It seemed more parents were getting teary-eyed upon leaving than the children.

That’s why Cedar Hill Elementary and other area schools created a “Boo-hoo Room” for parents. There, parents can socialize and talk over doughnuts and coffee. Small packets of tissues with a poem attached were in a basket on a table outside the room.

“I think it’ll help bring parents together,” said Cowart.

It certainly seemed to help with the tears. Parents in the Boo-hoo Room were in huddles, chatting, laughing, and telling their first-day-of-school stories. They realized they had two things in common —first-time students, and each other.