There’s Nothing Better Than First Day Energy

There is nothing quite like the first day of school. Today, I had the privilege of visiting six campuses: three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, and the energy was contagious.

The common thread everywhere I went was the same: This is going to be a great year! You could see it in the fist bumps between students and teachers, the side hugs from staff, the joy in seeing returning students, and the big smiles on everyone’s faces. This kind of optimism fuels the belief that the year ahead will be encouraging, positive, and full of possibilities.

At each stop, I had a chance to speak with the principal, members of the administrative team, teachers, and staff. For them, this is the day they anticipate all summer. It is the day when months of planning turn into action and support systems for students begin moving in full swing.

At Citrus Springs Elementary, Principal Julie Jones was outside the school double-checking students’ end-of-day plans. She personally greeted the youngest students, attaching color-coded wristbands to either their wrists or backpacks to ensure they would get home safely.

At Lecanto High School, as lunch was ending, I witnessed Principal Troy LaBarbara step in to help a new student who had arrived late. When he realized she might miss lunch, he had her sit down and made sure she had a nourishing meal before returning to her schedule. He also mentioned that he had already been in 28 classrooms, and it was not even halfway through the day. That is a hands-on leader.

That was the kind of leadership I saw throughout my visits to all the schools.

This enthusiasm was not limited to the school level. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert was out before sunrise, greeting the first buses and drivers as they rolled out. Assistant Superintendent Jen Greco was at Crystal River High School as the sun came up, meeting with students and staff. I crossed paths with many district leaders, including Director of Secondary Education Laura Lindeman, who, along with others, jumped in to help with transportation needs by personally co-driving a student across the county so they could make it to Citrus High School in time for their next class.

And this is only Day One. There are still 179 days left in the school year. That means 179 days of opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.

If today’s energy is any indication, this is going to be a year to remember.

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