Although August is still considered a summer month, here in Florida, (and many other southern states) the new school year gets underway during August. In our school district, students start back to class on August 12th, but teachers are already back at school. Setting up classrooms, arranging furniture, decorating bulletin boards, finalizing schedules, creating lessons plans, and organizing materials.
Students are also preparing. Meet the Teacher Events, Kindergarten Round-Ups, Pick Up Your Schedule Days- these are all things that are showing up on calendars. Running into classmates they have not seen in months, joy when discovering that a special pal will be in the same class, picking out folders and backpacks when shopping for new school supplies.
The excitement is palpable.
While all new beginnings are exciting, a new school year brings endless possibilities and infinite opportunities. For both students and teachers. This will be my 31st school year as a teacher, and even with all those experiences behind me, I still get giddy as the first day of school creeps closer.
As the Gifted Resource Teacher, I have many of my students for more than one year, so there is the added excitement of the reunion! Seeing my students after the summer months have passed, and noticing changes. Some very obvious, like a new haircut or the three inches of growth. Other changes are more subtle, as they mature and grow.
Admittedly, for some students, the end of the freedom associated with summer, and the responsibilities that come with the school year, may dampen their enthusiasm about this new beginning. However, here are some positives on which to help them focus:
- A fresh start. Regardless of past experiences, everyone starts over on the first day of school. All things are once again equal.
- New social connections. The possibility of making new friends, or deepening others, is everywhere.
- Opportunities for growth and discovery. Who knows what great topics and activities the year will hold? Perhaps a new interest or passion will be sparked this year.
These apply to teachers as well as students! So, to all those out there who are getting ready to start this new and exciting school year, ENJOY and SAVOR every moment!
Comments