It’s exciting, yet hard to believe,
that in a week our schools will be filled with students and staff ready to
begin the 2017-2018 school year. I feel
the same excitement today as I did when I was a student. I always went to Value
City with my mom to pick out the outfit I would wear on the first day of
school. I looked forward to picking out a new trapper keeper to keep all of my
schoolwork organized. After months of anticipation, the school bus finally came
around the corner of Violet Road and I couldn’t help the smile that came across
my face. I stepped on the bus and immediately said hello to my friends that I
didn’t see all summer (remember… we didn’t have social media!) While I was
eager to get into the classroom, I was also ready to defend my title as gym
class “Around the World” champion! Even though it has been a few years since I
was a student, to this day I still have memories of classmates, teachers, and
faculty that I will cherish forever.
The positive impact that my school
made on me was the reason I decided to pursue a career in education. I can
still recall all of my teachers from elementary to high school. Mostly I have
fond memories of the teachers , but I do remember some for different reasons,
but in the end, they all shaped me into the educator I am today. For instance,
my 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Beach, taught me how to write in cursive. I
went home from school that year and every blank sheet of paper I could find was
used to practice writing my name in cursive. Mr. Bayes, my middle school
basketball coach and science teacher, gave me a love for science that I carried
over into my years of teaching elementary science. He also gave me some
pointers about my shot (follow through) and the importance of being a
team player. My AP English teacher, Ms. Lillard, taught me how to write
collegiate papers. Her resourceful and creative teaching style carried over to
me when I taught 3rd and 4th grade writing.
However, I remember more than just
the teachers. My bus drivers, Ms. Doane and Ms. Gibson, always greeted me with
a smile and got me where I needed to be safely. Pops, my elementary custodian,
was always available for hugs and encouragement. Ms. Clifton always had time
for a quick chat while I was grabbing my food in the high school lunchroom. The
list of the names, faces, and stories could go on forever.
Lastly, my school career wouldn’t
have been as meaningful without the support of my parents. After a long day of
work, my parents always made time to help me with my homework, talk to me about
my day, and support me in all of my extra curricular activities. However, when
my parents had their hands tied, my village of supporters always lent a hand.
As we begin this school year, I
encourage everyone to realize how important their role is in the life of a
child. As we begin the school year with new books, pencils, and binders, let’s
also have a refreshed awareness of adults’ roles in education. Whether you are a parent, teacher, custodian,
food service employee, secretary, administrator, coach, etc. you play an important
role in determining if our students have a positive school year. They
are watching and they will remember. For
what do you want to be remembered?
I look forward to what this school year will
bring! Welcome back, everyone!
