August 18, 2015
First days of school come with anticipation, wide eyes, a few tears and many smiles. But in all cases, they come with hope and renewal. For me, the first day of school means order is restored, expectations are high, and possibilities are endless. It is my favorite time of year!
I relish seeing the excitement and optimism of students, parents and teachers. Here are a few examples:
A third grade mom shared that her daughter woke her up at 1:00 a.m. Monday asking if it was time for school. She returned again at 5:00 a.m. and this time would not take no for an answer!
When asked how school was going a fourth grader told me, “It’s great, but it stinks that we haven’t had any homework yet.”
A new Mom said her first-grader was bullied by older kids at his former school. He came to City Academy’s summer program, withdrawn and nervous, until a few older kids went out of their way to welcome him. “Everyone is so nice and positive,” said Mom. I asked him Saturday if he was excited for his first day, and he said, “I can’t wait!”
A teacher enthusiastically declared, “Our school is on an upswing. We have such an exciting future!”
One of my traditions is my “first days of school” calls. It is a great and fun way for me to thank our closest friends and remind them of the amazing school they have helped build. I reflect on how far we have come since our first day in 1999 when we had 42 scholars. I share success stories of students and alumni, an I affirm to donors that their investment is shaping young lives and futures.
One supporter asked me, “Do you remember how you felt that first day of school?” She fondly remembered the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and the excitement of putting crisp paper into snappy new binders. I flashed back to the beginning of third-grade and being nervous about Mrs. B. the new teacher, who was rumored to be “really strict.” (She was, but I remember her fondly.) I couldn’t wait to reconnect with friends, find out what books we would read (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), and see if I could finally boot the kickball over the blacktop. (I’d have to wait another year.)
What do you remember about a first day of school for you? Do you have a fun anecdote about one of our students’ first days? Come by my office, stop me in the hall or shoot me an email. I always love to hear, then share, your stories. They reflect what makes City Academy special.
I can genuinely and enthusiastically say that I feel that this will be our best year yet!
Written by Don Danforth, President and Co-Founder of City Academy