ACS begins fifth year of school
Published 10:25 am Wednesday, August 9, 2017
By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor
ALABASTER – As a returning student at Alabaster’s Creek View Elementary School, first-grader Kennedy Evans didn’t display any of the jitters usually associated with the first day of a new school year on Aug. 9.
“She told us ‘You don’t have to walk me in, I’ll be fine,’” Kennedy’s father, Robert, said with a laugh as he and his wife, Yancey, walked their daughter into the school.
When asked what she was looking forward to the most, Kennedy said she was eager to reunite with her friends – many of who she has not seen since school let out for the summer.
The Evans family was among thousands of other families throughout the city who began the school year routine anew on Aug. 9 during the first day of Alabaster City Schools’ fifth year of existence.
For Jamilah Miller and her daughters, Samiyah and Kai Hunter, the first day of school brought a few changes. While Kai participated in the pre-kindergarten program at Meadow View Elementary School last year, this will be her first year as a full-time kindergarten student.
“She isn’t new at going to school, which makes today a little easier,” Miller said. “We’re so excited today.”
Samiyah, who entered second grade this year, and Kai both said they had something to look forward to when getting to class.
“I’m excited to see my teacher,” Samiyah said.
“Eating candy,” Kai said with a smile.
Charli Gantt, who was walking to class with her mother, Nikki, said she hadn’t yet narrowed down her excitement about the first day of school.
“I’m not sure yet. Right now, I’m excited about going to class,” Charli said.
Despite some lingering rainfall and heavy traffic leading to the schools, ACS officials said the first morning went off without a hitch.
“We want to thank our parents for being so supportive of us, because traffic is always a challenge for the first few days. But it will get better as the week goes on,” said ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers. “I commend the administrators, teachers, support staff and central office staff for getting things ready and moving smoothly this morning.”
ACS Executive Director of Pupil Services and Operations Dr. Jeff Atkins echoed Vickers’ thoughts.
“We encourage everyone to drive slow and be safe,” Atkins said, noting schools are working with parents on tardies until the heavy traffic dies down. “The traffic patterns always level out after the first few days.”