The wheels on Chilton County school buses will go ’round and ’round next week as students go back to school.

The start of the new school year is especially important for Will Thomas, Lexi-Kate Hayes and Tucker Barker, who are among dozens of local children entering kindergarten.

Thomas, Hayes and Barker, all 5 years old, excitedly talked about school supplies they got over the summer and things they hope to do and learn in kindergarten.

“I want to learn why do turtles walk so slow,” Thomas said. “That’s what I always want to know.”

Thomas is the son of Brittany and Kyle Thomas and will attend Clanton Elementary School with several of his friends.

He said he is excited about typing on a computer.

“I like the computer,” Thomas said.

He got a new backpack with a W on it, a dinosaur lunchbox, paper towels, Kleenex, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pencils and superhero bandages.

Thomas said his mother taught him not to touch fire alarms, and he wants roller skates as a back-to-school present.

Brittany Thomas said preparing to send her first child to kindergarten has brought on a range of emotions.

“If I can get through the first day, we’ll be fine,” she said. “It’s going to be an adjustment, but he’s always loved school. I’m not worried about him—more me.”

Hayes is one of Thomas’ friends who will attend CES.

Hayes is the daughter of Tasha and Todd Hayes.

She said she is excited about seeing her teacher and coloring with her new crayons.

Her favorite colors are pink, blue and green, she said.

To get ready for kindergarten, Hayes played with her brother and practiced her math skills by helping her mother work the register at Sweet as a Peach Boutique.

“I play with my momma’s register and take money out and give it to people,” Hayes said.

She also wants to learn how to read so she can read about rabbits.

Tasha Hayes said although she is excited about her daughter’s “new adventure,” she will miss having her home every day.

“She’s just like my little best friend, but I know she’ll be taken care of here,” Hayes said. “It’s such a relief to see that I know some of the kids in her class.”

Tucker Barker is ready to don his new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack and matching snack bag on the first day of school.

Barker is the son of Amy and Brett Barker and will attend Chilton Christian Academy.

“I’m excited about playing on the playground,” Barker said. “I want to learn about everything.”

Barker said he and his mother read books together this summer, and he wants to continue to read in kindergarten.

Barker enjoys reading Bob Books and crocodile books.

“I’ve been reading my chapter books,” Barker said.

While in kindergarten, Barker wants to “count backwards from 20.”

“I’m excited about the fact that they’ll learn Bible verses,” Amy Barker said. “I hope he learns Bible verses that he will keep.”

She has mixed emotions about sending her first child to school.

“I’m more excited than nervous, and I know that he’ll do well,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll have emotions that [first] day.”