Administrator
For students, it is a time filled with excitement and
apprehension as they begin new classes with new teachers, and for some, at new schools.
That vast majority of students approach school optimistically. Their hopes are high to develop friendships
that will last more than just the school year.
They assume that their teachers will take genuine interest in them and
will seek to impart more than just knowledge.
They look forward to the extracurricular events such as sports and
musical programs. These are an important
part of growing up and developing the talents that are God-given. New school years are filled with so much
promise for students as they come ready to grow. My counsel for students is enjoy; take full
advantage of every learning opportunity.
Don’t place too much importance on the social aspects of school. The way life often works out, you will have
great friends, not only from school, but from other parts and seasons of your
life. These, too, will have greater
significance.
For parents, the experience is bitter sweet. Yes, it is nice to get back to a routine
where you as the parent are not the only caregiver for your child all day
long. Now you are able to have a bit
more freedom to pursue and enjoy things that went by the wayside during the
summer. But there is also the hectic
schedule that is just beginning. Not
only do your children need dropped off and picked up from school, but their
lives are suddenly filled with piano lessons, soccer practice, dance class, and
on and on. Instead of slowing down, it
seems like you double down, and go twice as fast to twice as many places. And, on top of that, is the homework. Yes, it is your child’s homework, but you
know very well how much help they will need and require from you. Mom, dad, hang in there. You will be amazed at how quickly this season
of life passes you by and it is over.
Enjoy these days with your kids and look for ways to make memories with
them that will last a lifetime. Do your
best to slow down once in awhile and take it all in. Laugh often.
For teachers, it is an exciting time welcoming the students
back to school. It is one of my favorite
times of the year! Seeing the students,
welcoming them genuinely, and letting them know that you anticipate a fantastic
year. For good teachers, the first day
of school is not just back to work and the end of summer vacation. It is what you live for. It is a calling that God has brought you to
and there is no greater experience than interacting with your students and
being His tool to open knowledge to them.
Yes, there is a measure of labor and you know there will be times that
some students make it difficult. But it
is all worth it. Teaching is an honor
and privilege, a most wonderful, exciting and fulfilling activity for which
someone graciously pays us.
For me, back to school is all of these things. I am sitting here today realizing that since
I was 5 years old, I have been going back-to-school in one of these roles every
year of my life with the exception of 2 or 3 years. I was a student through high school, then
college and seminary. Very shortly
thereafter, I began to teach and have been doing that for the last 28
years. In the midst of all of that, my
three boys started many years of school as they completed their education. As I have grown older, I still feel that
anticipation of a new school year. I
still long for the first day when students and teachers come together and set
course on another year of learning and discovery. It truly empowers me to prepare classes
that I may have taught many times, but now for a new group of learners. I can think of nothing I would rather be
doing today than going back-to-school.
May God in His mercy grant me many more years to participate in this
wonderful process of beginning anew!
What are some of your favorite back-to-school memories as a
student, parent, or teacher?
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