Not Just Another First Day of School – 2015
by Steve Ross, IPA Elementary Principal
As the new school year approaches, I have been getting excited about another “first day of school.” It will actually be my 40th first day of school, counting my years as a student in Kindergarten through 12th grade, in my undergraduate and graduate programs, my 18 years as a teacher, and my upcoming third as Elementary Principal here at IPA.
I remember getting ready for school when I was young. It was exciting getting to wear new school clothes for the first time which for me always included a cool t-shirt, jeans, and my low-top Converse shoes. And it was a thrill each year getting to use my new Spiderman lunchbox for the first time. I could always count on my mother to pack my favorite lunch, a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich, with chips and cookies. And my thermos was always full of chocolate milk.
Ross at age 5 in Kindergarten
Ross at age 6 (seated front and center) with his grade 1 classmates in Connecticut.
I remember feeling so happy to being able to finally use my new school supplies. They would only be new on the first day of school. Then there was the nervousness about meeting my new teacher mixed in with the excitement about seeing my friends.
Since the last day of school in May, we have been busy preparing for the new school year. Classrooms have been cleaned. The playground outside the Kindergarten classrooms has been resurfaced. After some time for rest and renewal, teachers have been planning for engaging and exciting learning experiences for their new students. Mrs. Hang, Miss Kerri, and I have been busy with a variety of tasks to get ready for the return of the teachers, students and families. We are ready for you and your children.
If Ross still had one of his metal Spiderman lunch boxes from his youth, it might look something like this today and be quite a collector’s piece.
Not a lot is different between my first and 40th first day of school. I still look forward to wearing my new school clothes. My Spiderman lunchbox has been replaced by Spiderman socks. (Ask to see them, they are really cool!) I still get both nervous and excited as the day approaches. I excitedly anticipate the first day carline, opening car doors to welcome the students. High fives with returning students and welcoming new students and their families as they make their way to their new classrooms, meet their new teachers, catch up with old friends and make new friends.
On behalf of our Head of School, Gerald Teramae, the faculty and staff of Island Pacific Academy, welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. See you on Wednesday, August 19th! And, if you can, please join us at our first day of school Assembly, at 9:00am in the Elementary foyer.
