Almost a month ago, 220 Middle School students returned from what was an unexpected six-month period away from school. There is no doubt that this time away from school meant that nerves were higher than what they might typically have been for a start of a school year. Add the "new normal" protocols, and this was a start of the school year like no other.
What transpired on Thursday, September 10, was as if it was a scene out of a movie. Joy and happiness was everywhere. Picture Ferris Bueller singing "Twist and Shout." There was a reason to party. Smiles were transferred from one student to another, parents were thankful and teachers were beyond excited. As a person who experienced that day firsthand, it felt that you could almost physically grab the energy and enthusiasm that was present.
The start of every school year has this type of energy, though this year was a bit more. But what has been really interesting is that the energy has been maintained. Typically, we would get into the swing of things, students would settle into their routines, teachers would become immersed in their teaching and parents would grow tired of making lunches or dealing with the traffic chaos that school brings. That said, the tempering of enthusiasm has not hit us yet.
We are now at the point in our first term where we will break for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Smiles are still being exchanged by students every single day, parents continue to be thankful for the fact that their children can be at school and can fully take advantage of all that is on offer here in the Middle School, and teachers certainly still have a spring in their step. What is clear is we all have a renewed appreciation for what school provides us individually and as a community, and how important it is to our well-being.
I know that I will be taking some time this weekend to reflect on what has been achieved over the last month, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I could not be more thankful for all that has been accomplished and the fact that I get to spend my days with such amazing students, supportive parents and committed teachers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
