Perhaps it's the promise of a fresh start, coupled with the anxiety of new surroundings. The joy in reconnecting with old friends. The excitement of finding new friends and fellow travelers. The anxiety of discovering exactly where I fit in this new social order. The loss of the often unscheduled days of summer, in exchange for the regimen of bells, routine, and cafeteria lunches. Hopefully, the joy of learning. Regrettably, the specter of looming nights of homework.
As these far-removed emotions stir, mostly there is my shared excitement that children across the country are beginning, or restarting, their social and academic journeys. What an opportunity. And, what a responsibility for us, as adults, to ensure that each one of those children is given all the tools necessary to grow through that journey. That's worth the knot in my stomach, to remember that we all share in the task of building stronger communities through all of our children.
Lee Sherman, President & CEO
