I have morning bus duty, so no matter how bad the weather is, I'm out there in front of the building each morning greeting kids as they get off the bus. It's usually a great way to start the day on an optimistic note. It awes me every year the trust we are given as educators (and bus drivers and cafeteria staff and everyone in the system). People give us their most prized possession on Earth, their children, for six or seven hours a day 180 times a year. I don't think any of us take this lightly, but not all of us get a chance to meditate on it most mornings when a phalanx of buses begins disgorging their precious occupants.
But the first day is extra special. Every available staff member is out there helping kids find their classes and new teachers. I am particularly struck at the trust these new Kindergarteners place in us as they hold our hands and have us deliver them to their classes for the first time.
I'll miss it so much. My own precious bundle (not yet in Kindergarten) is sick and is running a temperature. I'll probably be home making her breakfast and turning on some cartoons for her when the buses arrive tomorrow. But I trust everyone will be okay.
