Amid a burst of joyful excitement, nerves and high expectations, the entire Keeling ISD community leaned towards a brand new school year Wednesday.
In the largest school district in the area, an estimated 43,000 students will have 43,000 students, faculty and staff, senior district leaders and volunteers, welcome students to the first day of school.
Several elementary school teachers in their careers over 20 years said the first day of school is still one of their favorite days of the year, but still brings some nervous expectations.
At IRA Cross Elementary, the sun was staring at the horizon as KISD interim principal King Davis and Deputy Director Terri Osborne awaiting principal Stephanie Ford waited for the front door to open.
At the designated time, students and parents were breeze inside, and the area’s top two leaders joined a series of campus leaders, raising a warm welcome and taking them to the right corridor.
“We're excited. It's the first day. Day one is about the excitement and the start of a new starting point,” Davis said in the first of the booked stops.
“The kids are back with their friends and teachers. It's true, it's like a family. You've built relationships over the years. It's exciting to get our school families back together.”
IRA Cross first grade teacher Desiree Vega started her first day of the 22nd class.
“It's my favorite day of the year because of excitement, butterflies, expectation, just showing students how to navigate independently. I loved the first day of school and I was still nervous the night before.”
Her goal is to give each student “the trust and comfort they are here together. They are not the only people who are nervous. Today is to bring them the comfort they need and support them.”
Bobbie Reeders, principal of Roy J. Smith High School, has a bright smile – an educator with more than 30 years of experience, reflecting the unique significance of the school.
This year is no exception. Not only can she welcome all the leopards, but she also sees the former students whose parents are now falling off their children.
“Being a leopard is just a great day,” Reeds said.
Lavytrice Huff, a sophomore teacher at Clifton Park Elementary, agreed on the first day of her 25 years of teaching.
“The first goal is the safety of students and relationships with parents and children. We are introducing our daily work and procedures in the building,” she said. “It's the same every year. It's brand new and we literally looked at the first day. Once again I feel nervous and excited.”
Stopped in class, Clifton Park sophomore Envie Arkin admitted that going to school was the best.
When the guest asked her why, the spacious kid said, “Because I always learn something new.”