Summer is a lonely time in school. All summer long, I keep my outside office door open. As someone who’s not a fan of air conditioning and who loves hot, humid weather, I appreciate the fact that I can enjoy a little fresh air while I work. But throughout those summer months the only sounds I hear are the occasional train passing on the tracks behind the school and Mr. Ziggy or Mr. Pat on the lawn mower. Once school starts, that all changes. Now I open my door and I hear the excited voices of the fourth grade class next door, their laughter and joy as they explode out of their classroom for recess, and even the sound of focus and concentration as they sit outside, leaning against trees and benches doing their independent reading.
As the weather begins to turn and my door to the outside stays shut for several months I still get to hear the sounds of school -- of excitement, of friendship, of deep thought, of singing, of questions and answers, of grammar, of squeaking sneakers on the gym floor -- as I walk the halls. Those sounds are a sure sign that we’re back to the business of school and remind me that without students and teachers, a school really isn’t a school at all.
As always, our students and teachers begin this year with excitement, ready to hard work and eager to learn. I share their sense of anticipation and enthusiasm for a great year.
Welcome back.
