The first-graders who will head to class soon in the Natchez-Adams School District have reason to hold their heads high on the first day of school.

The students, who were in kindergarten during the last school year, outperformed the state average on the state’s kindergarten readiness test.

NASD kindergarteners scored 730 on the spring educational assessment test.

That’s greater than the state average of 710.

Congratulations are in order to the students, parents, teachers, administrators and support staff.

Such improvement doesn’t frequently just happen. It’s likely not just a fluke.

Instead almost certainly the result of much effort and focus on the part of all involved.

Society often focuses much attention and pressure on the classroom teachers, but the education of a child is so much more and involves many more hands.

Parents need to value education to keep children involved. Administrators and support staff must develop interesting and effective curriculum and then provide a safe environment for learning.

In the end, the whole process is a team effort.

Congratulations are in order to the players on the field — the students — but much praise must also be given to the coaches, trainers and fans working in the background.

Great job, NASD!