It’s that time again. Back-to-school season is here! Highly anticipated — positively or negatively — by youth, parents and teachers across the country, the back-to-school season carries a lot of emotions. Whether it’s a parent dropping their child off for the first time, a teenager taking their ‘last first day’ picture or a teacher preparing for another cycle of amazing students, each person’s situation is unique and special in its own way.
Growing up, the back-to-school season was a favorite. Picking out the cutest notebooks, a fresh set of pencils and new gel pens signaled a new beginning each year. As a recent college grad, this back-to-school season is especially different because I’m not going back to school this year, and that will add a new, exciting (slightly nerve-racking) meaning to “fresh start.”
In this issue of JC Parents, we’re talking all things back to school, fall events and crafts. Writer Karly Balslew sat down with Immaculate Conception reading teacher Stacey Eisterhold to tell her story of resilience and a life of teaching (pg. 6). Writer Molly Bryan put together a list of JC Parks events this fall (pg. 20) as well as a fun, fall craft for kids (pg. 23). We’re also shining a light on Jefferson City’s Parents As Teachers program (pg. 4) and Thorpe Gordon Elementary becoming Thorpe Gordon STEM Academy (pg. 16).
I wish all parents, teachers and students luck as they embark on a new adventure this school year. Take many pictures, save all of the drawings and make memories that will last a lifetime.