New Pope Elementary School welcomes students for first day

JACKSON, Tenn. — Class is now in session for one local school district and hundreds of students get to experience a brand new school.

Summer is officially over as students head back for the 2025-26 school year, and several kids are excited to learn in a brand new building.

The new Pope Elementary School is now complete and filled with some really cool features.

“We pride ourselves in a tradition of excellence. Of course, we’re not perfect, but we have a staff who truly loves the children, and it’s just all about putting safety and students first, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds,” said Tracey Vowell, principal at Pope Elementary.

And what’s the first day of school without a little car rider line chaos.

“Because I live 5 minutes away, I left my house at 7:50 and didn’t get to the parking lot until 8:30,” said Tori Cox, kindergarten mom.

Thankfully, staff members were hard at work making sure everyone stayed safe while moving the lines along.

We spoke to some parents and their students who share what their excited for this school year.

“To play on the playgrounds!” Madyson Greer said. “It’s some different programs that they have added to the school, the new teachers, like she said, the playgrounds. They have 3, I think, different playgrounds,” said Priscilla Taylor, 3rd grade parent.

The school offers so many different features including indoor and outdoor spaces, color-coded hallways per grade, a new gym and an upgraded library with plenty of seating options available.

“We saw the special education wing where he’s going to be, and they have so many cool things, and they have a new library and a sensory room. And we’re just excited for the first year of school altogether,” said Cox.

Whether it was their first day ever or just the first day back: The smiles, nerves and excitement made it one to remember.

Don’t forget to drive safely this school year! Make sure to slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the street.

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