Retrospection in Love

As we embark on a new school year, I can’t help but get swept up in the waves of nostalgia. I’m dating myself a bit here, but I vividly remember those back-to-school moments: the friendly squabbles with my siblings over the “TV Guide” Fall Preview Issue, the thrill of new school supplies, the annual trip to Sears with my parents for a new pair of school shoes, and the grand task of organizing my Star Wars Trapper Keeper. But perhaps the most cherished item of all was my lunch box. In the fall of 1976, my heart was set on The Six Million Dollar Man lunchbox. As a devoted fan of that iconic television series, I held the adventures of Bionic Superhero, Colonel Steve Austin, close to my heart. When that lunchbox finally landed in my hands, my first-grade self beamed with bionic pride! I looked forward to a new year of learning, reading new books, and reconnecting with friends. There was an undeniable freshness in the air, a sense of renewal that made Back to School feel like a giant do-over, and I was ready for it.

As a father, I found myself reliving these joys through my daughters. My wife and I have a cherished tradition of leaving individual mini-signs of loving words and phrases for each of our three daughters on their first day of school. Even now, as our eldest is in law school and our twins are seniors in college, we continue this tradition. Reflecting on those early back-to-school moments with my children, I was filled with excitement and hope for them. I hoped they would have a wonderful experience and be surrounded by teachers and friends who loved them as much as we did.

First Light from the New Sunrise

There is a unique peace that comes with the quiet of a new morning before dawn. Pre-dawn is my time to exercise, and I cherish the solitude of an almost empty gym where I can focus on my routine without distraction. These early mornings offer me a moment to pause and reflect before the day begins. It’s my time to get my heart pumping, sweat out any worries, and align myself with the day’s events. Most importantly, it’s my time to greet the possibilities that await. The sunrise of a new day is a chance to restart and embrace new beginnings. Each day, we are gifted 24 hours to make small, meaningful impacts in positive ways. This feeling is remarkably like the start of a new school year—a clean slate brimming with possibilities and opportunities.

As leaders, we are called to be mindful of these possibilities not just on the first day of school, but throughout the entire year. It can be challenging to keep the excitement and joy of the first day, but it is crucial to our work for our kids. Our families trust us to not only give educational opportunities but to inspire their children with the limitless possibilities they hold.

I keep my Six Million Dollar Man lunchbox in my office as a daily reminder of the promise of a new school year. It symbolizes our mission to sustain possibilities for all our students. It reminds me of the trust I placed in others to care for my daughters at school, and I honor that trust by doing the same as a principal, educator, and helper. Every day, we are called to help our students discover their possibilities. Some days this is easier said than done, and obstacles seem insurmountable.

Yet, in those moments, we must remember why we started this journey. We must hold on to the belief in the transformative power of education and the boundless potential within each student. With hearts full of hope and dedication, let’s embark on this new school year with the spirit of endless possibilities.

Here are four solid ideas to keep that back-to-school feeling sustained and upbeat all year long:

1. Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate achievements, big or small, throughout the year. This could be academic successes, personal growth, or acts of kindness.
2. Create Traditions: Establish school traditions that students and staff look send to. Whether it’s a monthly assembly, a special lunch event, or a themed dress-up day, traditions create a sense of belonging and anticipation.
3. Foster Connections: Encourage ongoing communication and relationship-building among students, teachers, and parents. Regular check-ins, community events, and open lines of communication help maintain a supportive and connected school environment.
4. Inspire Curiosity: Keep the learning environment dynamic and engaging by incorporating new and exciting teaching methods, projects, and activities. Encouraging curiosity and creativity keeps the school experience fresh and stimulating for everyone.

Let’s keep that spirit of new beginnings alive, nurturing the dreams and possibilities of every student we are privileged to serve. Here’s to a year filled with hope, joy, and endless potential!