There will undoubtedly be some mixed feelings as the double glass doors open and the first few steps are taken into the schools entrance. These feelings could be applicable to both students as well as staff. Everyone is human.
For the newest and the youngest, some will easily stroll inward with eager anticipation for the adventure ahead while others may show signs of separation anxiety. The administration hopes to see more smiles than tears, more curiosity than dread. Edgy nerves are softened with sincere reassuring nods of friendship or a gentle, mutual, bump with the knuckles.
The custodians and the facilities support crew have again done an admirable job preparing the building and the grounds for another year. Much of their work is underappreciated or given much thought, but they’re indispensable in the process of education. Likewise, the kitchen personnel have completed their responsibilities and prepare to take care of everyone’s favorite subject – and perhaps one of the most critical: food — technically known as nutrition.
The teachers – incredibly dedicated individuals, will have their classrooms organized and decorated with educational paraphernalia on the walls and the cork boards. The desks will be aligned in rows with exact precision, the names of each pupil carefully displayed on top. Their hopes for each and every soul that takes a seat are high. They’ll work tirelessly to enthuse and energize and expand the extraordinary little computers inside the brains of all.
Elementary students will gather together before the first bell. Informative words of instruction for protocols and behaviors will be communicated by caring professionals with a knowledgeable vibe and a relaxed tone. The messages delivered will make sense to some, confuse a few others, and be totally missed by another fraction. Teaching is repetition; future opportunities to hear them again are abundant.
An American flag is secured high in the southwest corner of the room.
The “Pledge of Allegiance” is about to begin. A demonstration is given to those unfamiliar with the posture and placement of hand over heart. The memorization of the verses happens quickly for anyone skeptical among the mostly attentive crowd; almost automatic — United States pride already flowing through their veins.
A song will follow, an old standard of many classics, referencing our country’s patriotism. These are perhaps the easiest lessons to teach. The “purple mountains majesty” always had me a little skeptical; I will assume I am not alone.
Sun freckles that didn’t exist last spring now dot the cheeks of a few; chlorine in the pool has lightened the hair shades of others. A nasty round red cherry battle wound from a bicycle mishap tattoos the elbows or knees of another two or three. Somewhere in the ensemble an Oscar worthy performance of listening to every word is acting out; in reality the mind is wandering to another place or another time – doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 60.
Eyeballs scan the room, left and right, up and down, curiously looking for anything of interest – or chance for mischief; both completely natural. An index finger is wiggling inside someone's mouth as they mumble, "I gotta loose toof!” Imaginations are in overdrive, a new school year in underway.
Someday, somebody in this crowd will serve in our military and protect us, will fix a broken faucet or tune up our transportation hover craft and earn a living, or will check bedside charts and dispense medicines or schedule a surgery. Sometime in the years ahead, one of these standing here will grow our food, or run for office, or teach a classroom of dreamers.
With shoelaces untied and chocolate milk mustaches, they fidget side to side, waiting to see what comes next. Daily, the teachers will unlock the bolt and oil the hinges, hoping and praying the students will open the door and step through; out and into the great unknown.
