Back to School

Giving thanks….

Giving thanks for going back to school?! Why?! I could cite many reasons, but I will limit myself to a select few.
I am thankful and proud that our district will start the school year on the positive coattails of having once again met and/or exceeded AYP last year. Kudos to all the staff and students for the hard work and preparation that went into the pre-PSSA classroom activities.
I am thankful that Jackson Elementary has a beautiful multipurpose room and an elevator. The staff and students will get many years of use from this room.
I am thankful that we have a new middle school. It is truly breathtaking when one first walks in the main entrance. Renovations of rooms in the high school are also done and offer a very nice learning environment.
I am also thankful when I see so many student athletes and band members practicing on school grounds. I am always amazed at the commitment shown by these young adults who practice unflaggingly regardless of extreme heat, drenching rain, and numbing cold.
I am thankful for the efforts of our regular maintenance staff and summer help. Moving furniture and materials from the previous middle school to the new building more than doubled the workload for these people. We should all take time to thank Greg Shaffer and his staff for the extra effort they expended this summer in preparing for the opening day of school.
So, even though some may not be thankful for this time of year (kids, you know who you are), there are many reasons to return with a smile on your face. I do know some parents are beginning to smile a little more broadly as we approach the opening day of school.
Not to disappoint, what would my blog be without some mention of football at this time of year? With the NFL lockout ending (thankfully), I can now begin to look forward to my gridiron fanaticism with glee. As I had said last year at this time, “for me, the anticipation of the season is in some ways better than the season itself: once it starts I know it will end in a couple months.” But I am still thankful that, as we start another year of education, football is finally here.
I wish each student and staff member a wonderful, productive and safe school year. Let’s hope we have a beautiful fall with vibrant colors and that the winter snows take their time getting here.

DR. D