I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best becaus

I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings. - Jenny Han

Over the last several weeks, I have been waking up earlier in the morning and feeling that I have to get up and attend to a major responsibility. I spent some time questioning why I had this feeling, and then it occurred to me; over the next several weeks, students and teachers will prepare for the opening of school, and as a 35-year teacher and administrator, I still feel the “pull” of the classroom. Maybe that sounds strange to many, but almost all teachers will tell you that as August approaches they start thinking about their return to the classroom and the school year ahead. When I began my teaching career, we usually started school right after Labor Day, but over the years, schools moved their starting dates to mid to late August. As an administrator, I worked 3 to 4 weeks during the summer and started my school year 1 to 2 weeks prior to our teaching staff, so by August, I looked forward, not only to a new school year, but also to welcoming our students and staff.

I realize that not everyone, especially our students welcomes the start of the school year and saying goodbye to his or her summer adventures. Personally, I have always looked at a new school year, as a new beginning, a chance to put the problems of the past aside and an opportunity to start anew. As teachers and students, we have two “New Years,” one on January 1 and the other on that critical first day of school, when the future holds so many possibilities. When my students showed up on that first day, all decked out with their new school outfits and backpacks, I welcomed them with a smile and the hope that they would all find success in the coming year. As Dr. Seuss said, “You’re off to great place, today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” It is my hope that as our Darien students approach that first day, they do so with a dream for a better future, understanding that they can change their lives by understanding the opportunities a new school year presents. It is also my hope that our teachers also look forward to all the possibilities a new year brings, and the impact that they can have on a student’s life. My best wishes to all of them; while I feel the pull of the new school year, I look forward to the wonderful things our schools will do for our children. Best Wishes to all!