I once told a story at Back-To-School Night of a surprise visit to my office during the first week of the school year by a kindergartner on her birthday.  It made my day and was reflective of the many smiles we see on the faces of our students we work with each day. 

 Even though our staff is stable, our challenge is always to take advantage of our experience in dealing with children, while always remembering to bring to it the newness that is unique to each day of teaching. The visit was also a reminder we all could use from time to time as to what is really important in life.  Our focus is too often on the problems that arise every day, both big and small.  We know that we should be trying to focus on positive experiences and growth, and capitalize upon and enjoy them when they occur.  Someone once referred to these intermittent, small joys in life as “in-betweens,” and that in life we need to make sure we take care of the in-betweens. 

When I look in the mirror, I’m reminded (sadly) that I’m no longer the young teacher I once was.  But in my mind, in many ways, I am still that young person.  When dealing with students, there is no old or young way of doing so – only the important way, with newness in each encounter.  I would hope that in terms of care and approach, we are never any different from when we began our first day. 

 Parents share the same challenge, especially if you have more than one child.  Patterns of approach develop that are successful, and we are tempted to repeat our methods.  We must remember that patterns are a beginning point, to continue if we decide best, but always wondering and asking if we can do better. The children deserve this renewed attention from all of us, both teachers and parents.  We should all do what it takes so that from their viewpoint each school year is new.  It was the little Kindergartner’s fourth morning of school ever.  She deserves the newness of our approach.  Whether it’s our 4^th day, 4^th year or 34^th year, we owe it to our students and families to renew commitments as this new school year is underway.  If we do, the in-betweens will follow. “What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?”