That first day is still exciting

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time.

The first day of school is much like Christmas day. New clothes, new backpacks & lunchboxes, the anticipation and excitement make it one of the most special days of the year.

I have been a part of over 40 first days of school as a student and educator, and I still get excited about the first day of school.

On the first day of school, I got up around 4 a.m. ready to start the day. I couldn’t sleep any more; I was too excited about our first day back.

After that many years in education, why would I still get excited about the first day of school. Why? It’s simple; I love school.

To me, this isn’t a job, or even a career. To me, this is a calling, and I am thankful each morning for the opportunity I have been given and the tasks that I have to do. I also thank God for the opportunity to build relationships with the many parents, educators, and children whom I have met along the way.

Both here in Milano and at stops along the way, I have met wonderful people whom I consider lifelong friends.

I am very blessed to be an educator and I am truly looking forward to the 2018–2019 school year.

We have a welcoming school district with high expectations for students.

Our staff is working hard to ensure our students will have a positive and rewarding school year.

On behalf of our board of trustees and the entire school district, our focus this year can be summed up by our district’s vision statement: “Inspiring, Encouraging, and Empowering our Students to Achieve Excellence.”

As I walked the campuses on the first day of school, many classrooms looked as if they returned from the weekend.

They “hit the ground running” as teachers were engaging the students in well-prepared lessons.

I am grateful I get to watch our staff engaging our student on a daily basis.

We will not waver, and we will remain steadfast in our commitment to you to provide the very best educational opportunity possible to ensure our students are able to pursue their dreams and ambitions upon completion of high school.