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Alabaster City Schools has experienced an enrollment increase of 105 students this school year over last year. (File)

Alabaster City Schools got off to a smooth start on Thursday, Aug. 8. (Reporter photo/Keith McCoy)

Alabaster City Schools’ grade on the latest Alabama state report card improved from 85 to 91, which is the greatest increase among districts that serve Shelby County. (File)

ALABASTER – The mood was cheerful at Creek View Elementary School on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 8, as music played outside the entrance of the school, welcoming about 840 students and their parents on the first day.

Kindergarten teacher Karri Brasher said parents and students seemed excited as they made their way into her classroom.

“There have been lots of smiles,” she said. “We haven’t had any tears so far. They’re ready to start their day and I’m excited to begin forming these new relationships with our students.”

After 24 years as a kindergarten teacher, Brasher said she still loves it as much now as she did when she first started her career.

“Because they’re so young, you kind of become like a second mom and they love their teachers,” Brasher said. “It’s my job to be nurturing and build their love of learning because it’s the foundation for the rest of their school-aged years.”

Jennifer and Casey Ray, parents of kindergartener Arabella Ray, said their daughter woke up excited to go to school. They attributed the smooth transition to the school’s pre-K program.

“She attended pre-K here so she already knew what to expect,” Jennifer Ray said. “Pre-K was a big help in getting her ready. It was the best decision we’ve ever made as far as her education goes.”

In the midst of a new crop of children adjusting to school, adjustments were being made at other schools in the district. Alabaster City Schools consolidated Thompson Sixth Grade Center with Thompson Middle School and then moved the middle school into the old THS building. Thompson Intermediate School then moved into the old TMS building.

The old sixth grade center will be renovated to serve as central office space for the school system, and the old TIS is now ACES alternative school. Vickers said moving the schools around may also help alleviate some of the morning traffic on Alabama 119.

Even with new locations for some of its schools, Superintendent Wayne Vickers said the school system had its “best opening of schools” since the district was established.

“I’m so proud of our central office staff, school staff and teachers,” Vickers said. “Our buses also ran smoothly. Everyone did such a great job and the community has been so supportive during these transitions. We’re looking forward to a great year.”

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