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Meadow View Elementary School saw a successful start to the new school year during the first day of school on Aug. 8. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor 

ALABASTER – The pitter-patter of small feet echoed throughout the hallways as teachers led groups of silent, well-behaved kids through Meadow View Elementary School during a successful first day of school on Aug. 8.

As part of a tradition that has been going on for 12 years, the Alabaster City Schools Board of Education visited every school on the first day with its first stop being MVES—a school that did not disappoint with its shiny floors that complemented the bright smiles of students engaging in fun activities.

“I really believe this is going to be our best year yet,” Principal Michelle Brakefield said. “In speaking with my teachers, they all feel the same way. There’s a sense of a different type of excitement this year buzzing around.”

ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers found that the school day was off to a great start with all of the necessary systems in place to ensure the day went off without a hitch.

“It’s been a great start of the school day,” Vickers said. “All of the buses and everything are running perfectly. I appreciate the cooperation of our city and our community. It’s been a great day, and it’s going to be our best year yet.”

Brakefield shared that she found the start to the new school year has been easier than normal.

“It’s been an easier start this year,” Brakefield said. “I can’t give you an answer to why that is but the attitudes of our teachers—they’ve done a lot of PD (personal development) this summer and it has renewed them to be able to come back and they’re ready to jump in and get started.”

Brakefield shared that administration faculty and staff at MVES are all guided together by a singular motto this year which highlights that “every child deserves a champion.”

“Each teacher is a champion for each student in their class,” Brakefield said. “When they come in the door, you’re that child’s champion. You are the person that encourages them. You are the person that they are with the majority of their day. And so, you have to show them that you believe in them. No matter where they come from, no matter what their poverty level is, no matter what their background is, we believe that every child deserves that.”

In order to accomplish that goal, teachers at Meadow View spent the first two days of school building relationships with all of their students to create the foundation upon which all of the lesson plans and future activities will stand on.

“This is their home,” Brakefield said. “They love it here, and we’re so excited to see them back.”

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