Waiting for class to start in Heflin

Just before 7 a.m. today the Cleburne County Elementary School cafeteria quickly filled up with children and their parents as they waited to go to class.

At a table near the entrance sat five-year-old Kya Battle and her mother Christina Battle. With new clothes and colorful beads in her hair, Kya waited patiently. She wasn't nervous about her first day.

"I'm excited," she said.

Her mother was too.
"I'm happy you're going to school," Christina Battle said to her daughter. "You're going to behave and not bring home a note that you talk too much."

Kya smiled and said she wouldn't.

At the other end of the table sat five-year-old Kaleb Angle and his parents Tanya and Terry Angle.

Kaleb was ready. He had his bright blue backpack on his back. He didn't talk much.
Tanya Caleb asked him if he was going to learn his ABCs and colors at school. Kaleb just nodded.

"It doesn't seem like he should be in school," Tanya Angle said as she fought back tears.