Over the summer custodians have been busy, working in the heat and humidity. Buildings have been mended, walls have been painted and the floors have been waxed to a high gloss that will not be seen again until the beginning of the next school year.
But, there is absolutely nothing like the very first day of school. Returning students, who know the rules and procedures, help direct the younger students who are frightened by the seeming confusion. All students have brand new school supplies, brand new shoes and, most importantly, brand new crayons. When the bell rings, students walk into the newly waxed hallways and their new shoes squeak on the floor inspite of teacher warnings. Sitting in their new classroom with their new teacher, they carefully remove all the newly purchased school supplies. Crayons still have points, markers still have ink, pencils still have erasers and desks will never be as organized as they are the first day of school.
Of course, the school calendar is determined by departments and politicians who seem to forget child development. In the heat of August, everyone is completely wilted by noon and all the students who looked so fresh 3 hours ago are now sweaty and tired. And so, at the teachers' expence, popcicles will be part of the afternoon's activities. Lights will be out for a while as children rest a bit and cool their bodies. During that time the teacher will read a book which will become a favorite. Most of my favorites were heard during "popcicle time" ~ Little House on the Prairie, Ramona the Pest, Sarah Plain and Tall, Wind in the Willows, Anne of Green Gables ...
I dearly miss the excitement and challenges of teaching. I miss conversing with other teachers. I miss the joys and hurts of children. However, as you begin a new year full of promise and hope I will be thinking of you and watching from a distance. God bless you all.