The planning is over, the buildings cleaned, equipment updated, rooms set up and students are back making one wonder just where the summer went. I vaguely remember summers passing quickly as a child but they seem to fly by even more quickly as an adult (much like the years seem to go more quickly as we age). This also seems to be applicable to parents as their children’s school careers—from preschool to graduation—seem to go by in the blink of an eye. Of course everyday doesn’t necessarily seem to pass quickly, no matter what your age, but somehow the years seem to slip by and that toddler is now an adult, perhaps with little ones of their own.
The question then is how we spend that time as parents, as students, as educators, and as individuals. Do we take the correct steps to prepare for the future in terms of academics, social skills, physical abilities and the other less tangible things such as determination, grit, and empathy or do we just float through life letting the current take us where it will? Do we go through life with a positive, glass half-full philosophy and the thought that we can make a difference in our own lives as well as in others? Do we strive to improve and offer our help to others?
I certainly can’t answer those questions for everyone but I believe, after working in education for 40 years, that most individuals in education will answer in the affirmative. They do prepare themselves and others for the future and help instill in their charges all of the necessary skills and knowledge to move forward, they look at every child as having potential, and they do work hard to make a difference and help everyone regardless of need.
They create positive environments for learning and growth, spend inordinate amounts of time preparing for each day with students, and continue to grow professionally over their careers. They have what it takes to not give up on any student no matter how difficult or challenging the obstacles are and they certainly support others in reaching their potential.
It’s always great to see the number of teachers who start showing up to prepare classrooms, lessons and participate in group planning well before the ‘official’ start of the school year. Their dedication to being ready to hit the ground running at the very beginning of the school year and their positive outlook at returning to teaching is certainly motivating. Staff preparation extends beyond teachers however and you can see the same dedication, preparedness and excitement across all of returning staff from paraprofessionals to our cafeteria staff.
The beginning of school is always an exciting time and we try to make the experience as positive as possible for everyone involved. We do take extra care for those entering for the first time whether in preschool, kindergarten and even incoming students at other grade levels. I’m certain that this school year will be excellent for all and that by June we’ll be wondering just how one more school year passed so quickly.
