“Try to remember the kind of September, When life was slow and oh so mellow….”
Those are lyrics to a song from the musical, “The Fantasticks.” It is indeed September, and the first two weeks of school have been fast-paced and definitely full of continued adjustments. Not very “slow and oh so mellow.” Thank you for adjusting with us as we manage the new year and the ongoing results of living in the pandemic. Although it can feel overwhelming, we are focused on kids—they are two weeks into the school year and already doing great things.
So, try to remember your own “first days of school.” To perhaps jog your memories, I asked our senior leadership team to share some moments they have witnessed during the first two weeks of school. Moments of joy, learning, and collaboration amongst adults and students:
- Kindergarten student at West Willow Elementary School, “This school is awesome, I'm going to learn so much this year.”
- Overheard a student new to our district tell a staff member today she believes for the first time she goes to school that actually cares for their kids
- "The Back to School Bash was the best open house we've ever had. No need to ever go back."
- Open House night a student to another student: “I love walking around and telling all my teachers that they’re my favorite!”
- “I don’t want any study halls ‘cuz I just want to learn everything I can. So can you tell me where the counselor office is so I can get my schedule fixed.”
- Kindergartener on the first day of school saying, "First day of school, I got this," with a big smile and a fist pump.
- High school students and teachers expressed they are so glad to be back.
- Elementary student running through the hall to go hug their teacher on the first day of school
- Middle school students high fiving each other in the hallways
- Our HR and Payroll have taken the meaning of teamwork to a whole new level as they've implemented a new system and worked together getting our first full payroll out for the school year (it is good to pay employees!)
Taking a moment to reflect and celebrate can actually slow us down. So, please enjoy September, take time to find moments that allow you to embrace the new school year, the fall, and witnessing kids do great things. Happy September.
Noreen Bush
CRCSD Superintendent