There is a great buzz this week in schools.

I love the ritual of the first week of school. It is a timeless and cherished experience for all of those involved – those of us working in the system along with the students (and their parents) who are heading to school.

I wrote at this time last year about how we are truly the possibility profession. And I just love the optimism that comes with a new school year.

For those of us working in the system, there is the opportunity for us to connect and inspire the new students.  Much is often made of the fresh-start the school year brings for students, but this is also true for the adults in the system as we consider new ways to connect with learners.  And the opportunity to channel the enthusiasm that students bring into learning is a wonderful challenge.

For students, the first week marks a new beginning, a clean slate, an opportunity to make new friends and establish connections that can last a lifetime. This social aspect of school, the chance to bond with peers, is incredibly exciting, offering the prospect of shared experiences and new opportunities.  And of course there is the promise of learning – often new courses, and almost certainly with new teachers.  

And for parents it is often about setting routines for the fall and tone setting for the year – it is also bittersweet as it hits hard to think how quickly one’s kids are growing up.

So go and post those back-to-school photos and be excited to wear your new fall clothes and embrace one of the most special times of the year as we head back to school.