With temperatures soaring into the mid-80’s this weekend, it’s hard to believe that summer is just about over.
But for students, teachers, and staff at Highlands School, that is the case.
Class will be in session for the 2023-24 school year beginning on Monday and there is plenty to look forward to.
For students in the middle and high school levels there is certainly excitement to get back to seeing friends daily, playing sports, taking part in school dances and other extracurricular activities, etc. While the beginning of a new school year may not strike up the same excitement within the hearts and minds of middle and high school students as it does their younger counterparts, there are sure to be some first-day jitters on Monday morning.
In the elementary wing, the nerves are likely to be more prevalent, but the joy of learning is even more palpable. Highlands School’s youngest students may have to get used to riding the school bus, waiting in the lunch line, or checking out materials from the media center but all those skills will come in no time.
The new school year will also feature a change in the principal’s office where Sarah Holbrooks will take over for longtime principal Brian Jetter. Holbrooks has been a fixture at Highlands during her time as assistant principal and she was an obvious choice to lead the school following Jetter’s retirement in July.
Highlands School boasts a capable and effective staff of teachers, administrators and support personnel. Their efforts should be commended throughout the year, but especially over the next few weeks as students return to class. The patience it takes to corral 20-plus students in the name of learning is immense.
Highlands School is at the heart of the community, especially for the town’s year-round residents, and its value can’t be overstated.
So as the doors swing open for the first time to kick off the 2023-24 school year on Monday, let’s wish good luck to area students and faculty members.