There is something about the first day of school that gets me every year.
This morning started with the annual first-day photo with Vinny, this time for second grade. And somehow, every year, that backpack looks a little smaller and he looks a little bigger.
Parenting is funny that way. You spend years helping your child become more independent, and then they actually do it, and part of you wants to tell time to knock it off. I know there will eventually be a year when he does not want Mom taking the first-day picture, so I am holding onto these moments while I can.
Visiting the Schools of Area 4
After getting Vinny off to school, I spent part of my own “first day” visiting the three schools in VUSD Trustee Area 4: Juanamaria Elementary, Citrus Glen Elementary, and ATLAS at Saticoy.
I wanted to introduce myself to principals and office administrators, open lines of communication, see each campus firsthand, and, most importantly, listen.
The energy across all three campuses was incredible. There was that unmistakable first-day mixture of excitement, anticipation, nerves and possibility. And despite how extraordinarily busy today must have been, the educators, administrators and staff I met were warm, generous and welcoming.
Each Campus Has Its Own Identity
Each campus has its own identity and culture. Understanding those differences matters.
When I have the privilege of serving Area 4, I do not want to understand our schools only through reports, presentations and numbers on a page. I want relationships with the people who make these campuses work every day. I want to understand their strengths, their challenges and the communities they serve.
Because ultimately, every decision we make about budgets, staffing, facilities, enrollment or the future of VUSD affects an actual child and an actual family.
Behind every spreadsheet is somebody’s Vinny.
Somebody’s second grader walking through those gates with a backpack, a new classroom and an entire school year ahead of them.
To everyone across VUSD who worked so hard to make today welcoming and exciting for our students: thank you.
And to all our students beginning another year, have an amazing one.
Happy first day of school, VUSD.