First Day of School

I have always loved the first day of school, but here, at Black Forest Academy, the first day is such a celebration of joy and of sadness, and of tradition, I am overwhelmed.  Opening Ceremonies occur in the auditorium packed with family, friends, and underclassmen.  Dorm staff marches in to huge applause and cheers.  Teachers march in to more of the same.  The highlight comes with the seniors, each one carrying a nation's flag, parading down the aisles to post their flags on the stage.  Our director spoke, the dean of schools, principal, and resident life gave the charge for responsibilty to each group, and, then, the roll call of the nations began.  Fifty-two nations are represented in the students of Black Forest Academy this year.  From Afganistan to Yemen, God has brought students to the caring learning environment of BFA.

Once the Ceremonies were over the tears began.  Parents and teens said goodbye until Christmas break.  I glimpsed a family with whom I talked the night before, hugging, crying, and saying farewells.  As the parents left, the students of the high school reassembled to hear the expectations and guidelines for the year.  The remainder of the morning and early afternoon involved discovering school activities, ID photos, and collecting textbooks in the library.

At 2:20 PM the students met their teachers in their classrooms for eight minutes per class period; I had just enough time to say "Hello, this is chemistry" and "No, I'm not Mr. Greenhoe (former chemistry teacher)."  And whussh, they were off to the next class.

 I have three classes this year, about eighteen students in each class.  The privilege of teaching these students is huge.  The parents, the students, and the administration of BFA place much responsibility on the teachers and I gladly accept that blessing!