By NOAH WORTHAM | Senior Editor

ALABASTER – The patter of tiny feet echoed through the hallways as teachers led groups of quiet, well-behaved children through Meadow View Elementary School on Aug. 8, a successful first day of school.

As part of a 12-year tradition, the Alabaster City Schools Board of Education visited each school on the first day. The first stop was MVES – a school that did not disappoint, with its shiny floors complementing the bright smiles of students participating in fun activities.

“I truly believe this will be our best year yet,” said Principal Michelle Brakefield. “When I talk to my teachers, they all agree. There’s a whole different kind of excitement this year.”

ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers noted that the school day had started great and all the necessary systems were in place to ensure smooth operations.

“It was a great start to the school day,” Vickers said. “All the buses and everything else is running perfectly. I’m thankful for the cooperation of our city and our community. It was a great day and it’s going to be our best year yet.”

Brakefield said that she found the start of the new school year easier than usual.

“This year it was an easier start,” Brakefield said. “I can’t tell you why that is, but it’s because of the mindset of our teachers – they did a lot of personal development this summer and it’s empowered them to come back and they’re ready to go.”

Brakefield said that this year, MVES teachers and administrative staff are all aligned around a common theme that emphasizes that “every child deserves a champion.”

“Every teacher is an advocate for every single student in their classroom,” Brakefield said. “When they walk in the door, you are the child’s advocate. You are the person who encourages them. You are the person they spend most of their day with. And so you have to show them that you believe in them. No matter where they come from, no matter how poor they are, no matter what their background, we believe every child deserves that.”

To achieve this goal, Meadow View teachers spent the first two days of school building relationships with all of their students to lay the foundation for all lesson plans and future activities.

“This is their home,” Brakefield said. “They love it here and we are very happy to see them again.”