How many first days of school can you remember?  Take a second and recall your most memorable elementary, middle, or high school day.  What do you recall?  Is it the excitement to see your friends?  The fear of something new – perhaps a new school with kids you do not know?  Do you remember where you sat in kindergarten or a bus ride?  The first time a teacher handed you a combination lock or perhaps an outfit that you could not wait to wear? 

When I opened the door to leave for work this morning, I had to turn back to put on a light jacket because it was in the 50’s.  And, if you go to the barbershop on Saturday, get ready to wait in line.  The clothing places will be pretty busy too because it is that time again.  The first day of school rapidly approaches.  There are homes where the parents and guardians will rejoice with the return of daily structure.  In others, there are teachers in full preparation mode – already setting up their plan books or even in their classrooms, brightening the walls and the lockers in the halls (so poetic).

I remember my first day of fifth grade at 66th Street School in Niagara Falls, NY. I changed schools that year.  I had to walk into a classroom where I did not know anyone.  To be honest, I was scared.  I was wearing gray parachute pants with a black Quiet Riot shirt.  You know the one – the cover of the album on which whatever his name was wore an old goalie’s mask.  I felt the eyes of the regulars on me – and some of them, like Raquel, were pretty direct in asking me…” Who are you?”  They were pretty quick, as I had the same last name as a fourth-grade teacher – because he was my Dad.  Back then, believe it or not, Mr. Baldassarre had a paddle, and I got to hear the stories about when he used it. 

It's true.  The paddle was not outlawed in New York State until 1985.  In Massachusetts, the paddle was outlawed in 1971.  Can you believe that one? 

To me, this is craziness.  I could not imagine having children coming to school with the thought of being struck by their teacher for misbehavior…WITH A PIECE OF WOOD!  Fortunately, my fifth-grade teacher didn’t rule by force, and I had a most memorable year.  For those of my classmates who might read this – particularly those who had Mr. Cruikshank, you know what I am talking about.  I could write an entire blog about his class and instructional style, and he and his family would be delighted to read it. 

As we approach the start of school, I encourage caregivers to consider taking steps to help their children and young adults prepare for the coming school year.  See how you can generate excitement about seeing old friends and making new ones.  Please talk about the fun activities in which they will be engaged and about learning and growing.  Consider taking them for a walk around the school grounds, and if new to the school – schedule a time to go to the school before the doors open on the first day. Talk about the dances, the sporting events, the clubs, and the activities. 

Finally, parents and caregivers – please think about your kids’ teachers and administrators, too.  This is also the first day for them.  They have their excitement and maybe a little fear for some new teachers.  Don’t be the parent who opens up the year with a Facebook post that makes us regret our career choices.  If there is a concern, E-mail your teacher or call your Principal.  In our town, I’ve already seen a few angry people bashing their schools before the doors have even opened.  The teachers and administrators despise people who do this. It makes for bad relationships and takes away the joy of our work. Awful, I know. 

Let’s breathe life into our kids and help them have a momentous year by welcoming the teachers and staff into an environment of excitement and joy!