The First Day of School... It's Not Just for Kids Anymore!

There is simply nothing like the first day of school! For some, it is the VERY first day of school and for other students it may be their 13^th first day of school! It is my 20^th first day as an educator, and I still get butterflies…I can’t sleep…I dream about being late or lost…I am truly a mess! But, as soon as I get to school and watch the parents and children come through the doors, the nerves go away and IT all begins (the journey, the growth, the development, the fun, the mistakes, the learning)!

The faculty and staff spent several days meeting prior to the first day…not just about logistics, procedures, and information, but about relationships…about academics…about who we are as an institution…about our hopes and dreams for the school year! Our theme this year is “Above and Beyond”! Whether we are talking about relationships, partnerships, communication, lesson planning, events, etc… - we will go above and beyond this year!

(Enjoy the little bit of flight humor I shared with my faculty)

This summer, the faculty read a book relating to the hopes and dreams of Independent School parents called, "Understanding Independent School Parents." It is important that all educators, new to the independent school world or not, recognize the choice you have made as a parent! You have chosen to send your child to Oakhill Day School and the like! As much as we talk about individualization for our students, at Oakhill, we truly want to individualize the best we can for each family. Each family comes to our school with their own expectations, hopes, dreams, perceptions, and needs. We hope to know and understand each of our families so we may help guide them through this journey! (Want to read a little for yourself? Check out an excerpt here!)

As I enjoy the laughter in the hallways, the excitement in the air, and the energy that is Oakhill, I am thankful to be here! I hope to be a predictable Head of School (in a good way)! I want our families to know that it is my job to see the big picture and make sure all decisions are made for the right reasons…the students…the children! Everything we do and every decision we make is based on what is best for the children and their educational journey!

I am off to enjoy the rest of our big first week of school! IT has all begun, and IT is a great thing!

For more Independent School information and resources, check out NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) and ISACS (IndependentSchools of the Central States) online!