When the school year ends in May and the students leave for the summer, I am always a bit sad and have difficulty settling into my summer schedule at school. Summer Camp and Horizons fill the campus, but the rhythm of the day is very different for me. I typically spend June wrapping up and reflecting on the previous school year; and then in July, I begin to shift my focus to planning and organizing for the new school year. On August 1, I start my countdown to first-day-of-school joy!
August 23, 2022, finally arrived, and I could not wait to welcome our students to a new school year! The energy from the faculty and staff was amazing as we waited for the opening bell to ring at 7:50 a.m.
By 7:55 a.m. the Lower School was filled with smiles and excitement, as students arrived to their new classrooms and began unpacking their backpacks. Later in the morning we all gathered at the All-School Assembly and kicked off the day as a school community.
I had an opportunity to connect with students during lunch and recess. I asked what they were looking forward to as the school year begins. Some responses included “making new friends,” “a mix-up of classmates,” “a new teacher,” “seeing my former teacher,” “expanding my friend group,” and “learning all kinds of new things.”
The children also shared that they are especially looking forward to CA’s big celebrations: Halloween, Homecoming, and the 100th Day of School, as well as field trips and Town Meetings. We have so many exciting things ahead of us this year!
For me, the first day of school was a wonderful blend of joy, laughter, and friendship. I am so excited to begin each new day with my Lower School faculty and staff family and my 359 Lower School friends!
Oh, how I love the first day of school!