Mindful Monday: What's Normal Anyways?

I am starting the year with mixed emotions, and I'd imagine that many of you may be as well.

I am absolutely excited for the new school year. I am beyond stoked that most of our students will be back in person. But at the same time, I am having some serious PTSD. Infection rates are on the rise. Masks aren't going away any time soon, and social distancing doesn't seem to be as far in the past like we might have hoped it would be by now.

I'm not going to lie, when we left at the end of May, I totally expected this year to be "back to normal", at least for the most part. And the fact that the phrase "this is our new normal" has become the mantra, is completely disheartening. 

What's "normal" anyways? 

While I may be emotionally over masks, fist bumps and the overuse of hand sanitizer, I assure you, there are some things that have not changed. There are some things that are not new. There are some parts of our "old" normal that will continue to be a part of our "new" normal.

With the first day of school just days away, some of my favorite things are just around the corner. Things like, the sound of kids laughing in the hallways, the nervous excitement of students meeting their teachers and seeing their friends again, and all the proud parents watching their child walk into the building only to realize they are literally witnessing their child grow up before their eyes. 

Regardless if this year is "normal" or not, some things will never change. You will continue to be the constant for our students. Your encouragement, your support, your second and third chances will be invaluable for our students.  Your acknowledgements, your patience, and your smile (even behind the mask) makes all the difference. 

Here's to an AMAZING first day and to rocking this year! Here's to a year where our students feel loved, safe and rise to the occasion ...all because of YOU!