First Days of New School Year

For parents the first days of the new school year is often filled with mixed emotions.  For some the parents are the most excited for the students to return to school. I am sure that is so that they can continue their learning, of course!

I was able to spend the early hours of the first day of school volunteering at my daughter’s elementary school helping to check in new parents who were walking their students to class for the first time.  Because of modern technology and new ways of communications, later that day I was able to share in many many parents and student’s experiences that were filmed live on the first day of school, by watching video pictures and reading about it on Facebook.  I felt privileged to enjoy my many Facebook friends’ pictures of their children’s new school outfits.  I was also able to read about their first experiences at school and what it was like for them to meet their new teacher for the first time.  I can remember meeting some of my own teachers for the first time as a child.  Many of these teachers became critical and vital people to my success in life and have had a powerful impact on me.  I also had several teachers share how exciting it was for them to meet their new students or begin a new position in our schools.

Change is often challenging for any of us.  New school rules can be difficult and even problematic at times.  Moving grade levels, especially from elementary to middle, or middle to high school, can be downright scary.  For some who will be seniors it is the beginning of their last years in high school which can bring both fears and excitement.

The first few days of school are not without its glitches.  Many of the districts leadership team of school board members, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents were visiting the schools to offer encouragement and support where needed.

I am greatly excited about this school year.  Many firsts are under way.  The first one-to-one iPad deployment to a group of 7^th grade students will take place this year.  A new computerized student lesson planner, grade book and attendance system with student and parent login access is being rolled out this year.  New common core learning standards begin being intergraded into the daily curriculum at all school levels.  The completion of Phase two at Crystal River High School will take place and much much more.

I so much appreciate assisting parents, students and community members with issues, challenges and information needed.  Please always feel free to contact me, stop and ask me questions that you or your child might have.  Nothing is too trivial to ask.  Let’s work together to make the 2012-2013 school year another outstanding school year in Citrus County!

For pictures of the first days of school from around our district visit the Citrus County Schools Facebook web site at: www.facebook.com/CitrusCountySchoolDistrict

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