A Wonderful First Day (for the 51st time, which isn't so wonderful)

The first day of school is much like the first day of a new year, full of promise, enthusiasm, and visiting with old friends.  Unlike the mid-winter bacchanal, however, these days are long, the sun is warm, and many of us are not quite ready to give up on summer. Having school start before Labor Day gives us the luxury of easing into work before the rest of the world gets busy, which can be a nice way of slowly reactivating the motors of thinking and learning.  We had a great first day at Nora, full of joyous (those returning) and nervous (those new to us) adolescents about to take the next step on their life's journey.  We are privileged to be part of that journey, and while we may be an important part, it is only for these few years. These curious and lively people will soon move beyond us, off to college, and lives, where we hope our lessons will last.

Yesterday was my 51st first day of school, going back to kindergarten at Warrendale Elementary School, then on to Central Junior High, Waltham High, and New England Conservatory. After graduation I was teaching at five parochial schools, Palotti High School, Bishop McNamara High School, then on to WEHS (Washington Ethical High School) and Nora. Indeed, there hasn't been an August or September since 1961 that I haven't had a first day of school. And of course there have many been others... seeing each of my three children off for their own first days, from kindergarten to college.

It's a bittersweet time of year. Summer is ending, nights bring a twinge of autumn, and those students we worked so closely with last year, and in 1991, and in 1981, are off creating lives of which we are not a part. Even with our own children, as they go about constructing adult lives, we are but spectators and visitors unless we're invited in. We are glad to see them succeed and hear about their adventures, but I think we miss not only being with them, but our own youth. Did any adult have the wisdom to appreciate what we had when we had it?  

We cannot step in the same stream twice. The water that was there a moment ago is not the water that is there now. So we eagerly embrace those who come to us looking for renewal, for change, for growth, and we hope to provide them the same challenges, mentoring, and nurturing that The Nora School has been known for since 1964, just a few years after my very first first day of school.