HAVELOCK, N.C. — The first day of school is an exciting time for any student, but for those starting first grade, there are a lot more new experiences and first-day jitters.

August 29 was the first day of school for the first graders is Mrs. Hargrove's classroom

Hargrove is Craven County Schools beginning teacher of the year

Craven County Schools still has over 100 open teaching positions

You can definitely feel the buzz in Chasity Hargrove's first grade classroom. But the excitement is mixed with nerves on the first day. Hargrove admitted to her students that teachers also get nervous on the first day. Despite those jitters, she is eager to get to know her students.

“They're going to love you regardless,” Hargrove said. “It's always like, 'good morning.' So it's something new every day.”

She says first grade is a drastic change from kindergarten.

“You have to slowly bring the process in for them, because it could be too much at one time,” Hargrove said.“You have to slowly bring the process in for them, because it could be too much at one time,” Hargrove said.

To make the transition easier, Hargrove says she starts forming relationships with the kids ahead of time. This is her third year working at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary School, and every year she takes the time to say, "hi," to kindergarten students passing by her classroom. 

“That way when they come in, they're like, 'oh I know Miss Hargrove,'” Hargrove said. “And they're more open and not as nervous and scared to be here. So I guess it's just a matter of building that relationship as soon as possible.”

With five boys at home and a full classroom of first graders at work, you can tell Hargrove has a heart for kids. As the year gets going, she is looking forward to watching the kids learn and having fun while doing it.

“I want them to be themselves,” Hargrove said. “I want them to feel like this is their classroom. ... Just because I want them to know that this is your safe haven. This is a place for you. So it makes the process and all that just just kind of flows very easily if you build that relationship from the beginning.”

Hargrove was chosen as Craven County Schools beginning teacher of the year for her work in the first grade classroom.

School officials say that although Edwards Elementary School is fully staffed, there are still over 100 open teaching positions in Craven County.