Smiling parents and apprehensive children were seen coming in and out of the Rock Creek Park gym April 11.

The Dawson County school system held its annual kindergarten registration at the gym, and, according to workers, it was a full house.

"We've been busy all day," said Black's Mill Elementary employee Jackie Lynn. "It's been absolutely packed."

Future students began their journey by signing up for school, based on their residential districts.

While parents filled out paperwork, children were screened by school nurses for any vision or hearing issues and then given the Kindergarten Readiness Test by teachers on hand at the gym.

Mother Jessie Gravitt said her son, Case, was eager to start classes.

"He's excited," she said. "We still have another [child] at home after him, but he is excited to start."

In total, 186 new students are set to enter Dawson County elementary schools, with 32 registered for Kilough Elementary, 38 for Riverview Elementary, 42 for Black's Mill Elementary and 74 for Robinson Elementary.