Tamira Hutching and Cherrelle Johnson, close friends and fifth-graders at Byrd Elementary School, were wondering all night Tuesday about their first day back to school.

Yesterday was the big day for the youngsters and all students in Selma City Schools. It was day that many termed memorable and exciting.

Byrd Elementary kindergarten student Kazy Tulley said of her first day in school that she had lots of fun &uot;singing, coloring, writing, eating lunch and playing choo-choo train.&uot;

And like Kazy, the new principal at Byrd, Beth Taylor, was pleased that her first day on the job was smooth. &uot;We’re right on track, thanks to a wonderful staff.&uot;

Selma High School, the system’s largest school and only high school, also made the transition.

Eli Welch, the school’s principal, was impressed by the students and how well they have &uot;fallen in line with the dress code,&uot; something that he said created minor problems last year. He gives credit to the efforts of his staff and parents of the students.

Senior student Rashonda Walton agreed, saying that the additional time is something that will take some time adjusting to.

Evans attributed the overall change of attitude in students to the school’s move to clear academic status last year. &uot;It has motivated them,&uot; she said.

Ten of the 11 schools in Selma City have begun the new year on clear academic status.

The system includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school.

Selma Middle CHAT Academy, formerly Selma Middle School, is the newest addition to the system, which promotes the idea of a &uot;whole school&uot; magnet program.

Selma City Schools Public Relations and Attendance Supervisor Lynn Henderson, said there are 298 teachers, 12 librarians, 9 counselors and 24 administrators in the school system this year.

Superintendent Dr. James Carter said, &uot;We are striving to become a world class school system … that will be able to compete globally.&uot;

A total of 12 schools make-up the Selma City School System