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Faith Christian School

Private Christian School in Mesa, AZ

Back to School

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by Dick Buckingham
Administrator

That means different things for different people. 

For students, it is a time filled with excitement and apprehension as they begin new classes with new teachers, and for some, at  new schools.  That vast majority of students approach school optimistically.  Their hopes are high to develop friendships that will last more than just the school year.  They assume that their teachers will take genuine interest in them and will seek to impart more than just knowledge.  They look forward to the extracurricular events such as sports and musical programs.  These are an important part of growing up and developing the talents that are God-given.   New school years are filled with so much promise for students as they come ready to grow.  My counsel for students is enjoy; take full advantage of every learning opportunity.  Don’t place too much importance on the social aspects of school.  The way life often works out, you will have great friends, not only from school, but from other parts and seasons of your life.  These, too, will have greater significance.

For parents, the experience is bitter sweet.  Yes, it is nice to get back to a routine where you as the parent are not the only caregiver for your child all day long.  Now you are able to have a bit more freedom to pursue and enjoy things that went by the wayside during the summer.  But there is also the hectic schedule that is just beginning.  Not only do your children need dropped off and picked up from school, but their lives are suddenly filled with piano lessons, soccer practice, dance class, and on and on.  Instead of slowing down, it seems like you double down, and go twice as fast to twice as many places.  And, on top of that, is the homework.  Yes, it is your child’s homework, but you know very well how much help they will need and require from you.   Mom, dad, hang in there.  You will be amazed at how quickly this season of life passes you by and it is over.  Enjoy these days with your kids and look for ways to make memories with them that will last a lifetime.  Do your best to slow down once in awhile and take it all in. Laugh often.

For teachers, it is an exciting time welcoming the students back to school.  It is one of my favorite  times of the year!  Seeing the students, welcoming them genuinely, and letting them know that you anticipate a fantastic year.  For good teachers, the first day of school is not just back to work and the end of summer vacation.  It is what you live for.  It is a calling that God has brought you to and there is no greater experience than interacting with your students and being His tool to open knowledge to them.  Yes, there is a measure of labor and you know there will be times that some students make it difficult.  But it is all worth it.  Teaching is an honor and privilege, a most wonderful, exciting and fulfilling activity for which someone graciously pays us.

For me, back to school is all of these things.  I am sitting here today realizing that since I was 5 years old, I have been going back-to-school in one of these roles every year of my life with the exception of 2 or 3 years.  I was a student through high school, then college and seminary.  Very shortly thereafter, I began to teach and have been doing that for the last 28 years.  In the midst of all of that, my three boys started many years of school as they completed their education.  As I have grown older, I still feel that anticipation of a new school year.  I still long for the first day when students and teachers come together and set course on another year of learning and discovery.  It truly empowers me to prepare classes that I may have taught many times, but now for a new group of learners.  I can think of nothing I would rather be doing today than going back-to-school.  May God in His mercy grant me many more years to participate in this wonderful process of beginning anew!

What are some of your favorite back-to-school memories as a student, parent, or teacher?

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Contact Information

480-833-1983
admissions@faith-christian.org

6659 E University Dr
Mesa, AZ 85205

P.O. Box 9086
Mesa, AZ 85214-9086

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Faith Christian School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Faith Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.