by Mary Reiman
To those of you who won’t get enough sleep tonight....
It’s because you care.
Some students are thrilled that tomorrow is the first day of school in Lincoln Public Schools. Some are not. A new school year brings about all kinds of feelings and emotions.
If you are a parent like my mom, the first day of school is the hardest day of the year. Mom always said she hated to watch us get on the school bus that first day. She liked having us home all summer...who knows why!
For many, the first day of school also brings a photo moment. So many pictures posted on Facebook! Photos have been a great way to document fashion trends throughout the years. What was your favorite first day haircut/outfit?
Today, we celebrate students and teachers. We celebrate learning.
Administrators, teachers and many staff play a role in designing a successful first day of school...with the plan to keep everything running smoothly EVERY day until the end of the school year.
There may be new textbooks that has never been opened. Maybe new laptops. Definitely clean whiteboards and shiny floors. Breakfast for some and lunch for many. Signage to welcome everyone.
And I would like to tell you that when students walk into their classrooms tomorrow, those spaces will have been magically organized to prepare for a room full of energy. However, do not for a moment think it was magical pixie dust that created those sparkling classrooms.
Yes, it takes more time than you would think to get ready for the first day....
* Take out the old textbooks, unbox and check in the new...and then learn the new curriculum.
* Number laptops and organize with color coded cords for recharging each night, and learn any new technology that will be used this year.
* Arrange desks and tables with names and learning materials in place.
* Create new bulletin boards for the hallway as well as the classrooms.
* Attend meetings, workshops and staff development, to learn new policies and procedures.
Being a new teacher in a building adds another layer of what you need to learn by the first day.
Moving to a new classroom means more packing and un-packing.
Those are just a few of the things that teachers and staff and administrators have been doing this summer. The list is long.
To those I know most dearly, and to those I have not had the opportunity to meet, know how much I appreciate you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being there. For showing up. For caring. For teaching.
classrooms full of joyful minds, with enough laughter to complete each day with a happy heart.
Sleep well tonight. You are ready.
So well written! A great shout out to all who work so hard to help our Lincoln students have good school years! Here’s to all that work and all that heart by all LPS staff!
ReplyDeleteYes! Thanks for appreciating all of the effort the teachers and staff have made to prepare for a new school year! As a retired teacher, I remember how exciting the first day of school was!
ReplyDeleteThank you for so eloquently acknowledging all that goes into making the first day of school so special to everyone experiencing it. Oh, the memories!!
ReplyDeleteI Loved Loved Loved the first day of school and even the first week! It was gloriously fun. The kids were SO excited..
ReplyDeleteOne more thank you to add! To all the school school counselors who welcome students, check schedules meet new families, enroll new students, and make needed changes so the first day goes smoothly~We appreciate all of you & the time it takes!
ReplyDeleteSo many wonderful memories, especially with you at LSE!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! My mom and my aunt, who both taught for years in LPS elementary schools, would have totally agreed with you!
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