The First Weeks of a New School Year

Last month, I wrote about the quiet halls of August and the anticipation that comes with preparing for a new school year. Now, those same halls are once again filled with the voices, laughter, and energy of our scholars. 

There is something so special about that first morning back.

This year, we rolled out the red carpet to welcome our scholars to The Lincoln Academy with music, cheers and a new drop off line. Linc the Lion was there to greet them as they arrived, teachers and staff were ready to welcome them inside, and our hallways quickly filled with excitement for the 2026-27 school year.  We had our first assembly of the year with our scholars jumping right back into the expectations of TLA. They stood at a level 0 (silently) and recited their TLA Proclamation with pride.   

In the weeks since that first morning, our school community has quickly found its rhythm. Classrooms are busy with learning, routines are becoming familiar, and across TLA, scholars are already taking on new challenges as opportunities for growth.

Some of my favorite moments during these first weeks are the ones that may seem small. A scholar raising their hand with confidence. A teacher taking a few extra minutes to help a scholar with their learning. Friends greeting one another in the hallway. A scholar discovering an activity, subject, or opportunity that sparks a new interest. 

Individually, these moments can be easy to overlook. Together, they are what make a school year meaningful. 

We have had a wonderful start to the year, and I am grateful to our scholars, families, and staff for the enthusiasm and energy they have brought to our school community.

As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, our focus remains on creating an environment where every scholar is known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. 

There is so much still ahead of us, and I look forward to seeing all that our scholars will accomplish this year!