By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Parents pulled in and parked all around Jemison Elementary early on Tuesday, Aug. 9 to walk their children to the first day of school.

Some children dragged their feet; others pulled their parents’ hands in a hurry to get to school. For first time students, this rite of passage marks the beginning of a child’s education and a parent’s adaptation to a new chapter.

“I’m nervous. I’ve never been away from him for this long,” said Katie Hilyer. Her son Kaleb was there for the new First Class Pre-K program this semester. When asked what he was going to do in preschool, Kaleb said, “I’m gonna play!”

“Playing is a large part of what they’ll do in pre-k,” said Principal Scott Ingram. “There will be some structure, too.”

Ingram is the new principal at Jemison Elementary. He was previously the Assistant Principal at Isabella and has over ten years of teaching experience. He said he likes the new job and is excited for school to start.

School employees were excited as well. Shirley and Dorothy Mims work at the school’s snack store and said they are ready for the year. Shirley Mims used to work in the lunch room, but has since retired.

“The kids recognize me, and I love it,” said Shirley Mims. Both of the women have worked at the snack store for over ten years and said they look forward to each day.

To find school supply lists, a school calendar, and more information visit Jemison.al.cce.schoolinsites.com.