Welcome Back: A New Year, A New Opportunity!

“This year, more than ever, our classrooms are the heartbeat of community resilience."

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! The notebooks are fresh, the routines are forming, and the energy in our schools is that unique mix of nervousness, hope, and inspiration.

If you've noticed a pause in my blog posts-thank you for your patience. Over the past several months, I’ve been navigating the dual responsibilities of being a caregiver and stepping into a more public role as a vocal social media activist. The intersection of personal caregiving and public advocacy has deepened my appreciation for the powerful, often invisible, labor educators do every day.

Pandemic-Era Learners- “They will need every trauma-informed strategy we’ve learned—not just as a tool, but as a mindset.”

This year’s kindergarten students were born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their earliest days were shaped by isolation, masks, and disrupted routines. They are arriving in our classrooms resilient, yes—but also with unique emotional and developmental needs.

These children will flourish when we prioritize connection, empathy, and consistency—when we meet them where they are, not where a benchmark says they should be.

A Stage for Radical Inclusiveness- “Inclusion isn’t a program—it’s a posture.”

As we prepare our classrooms, let’s also prepare our hearts. This is the year to double down on inclusiveness—not as a trendy phrase, but as a lived commitment.

Every student deserves to feel they belong: the quiet ones, the questioning ones, the ones who speak another language at home, the ones who haven’t had a consistent meal schedule or sleep pattern. This isn’t political—it’s human. It’s ethical. It’s our job.

Politics Has Entered the Arena—But Our Classrooms Must Stay Safe- “But inside our classrooms, our students deserve a space free from political agendas—left, right, or otherwise.”

There’s no denying it: politics has entered the education space with increasing intensity. From legislation that impacts what we can teach to online debates about curriculum, the noise is loud.

As someone who’s become more vocal on social media about these issues, I understand the urge to speak out—and I will continue to do so in my capacity as a social media activist.

We can be personally passionate and professionally neutral. We can advocate for justice outside of school while ensuring every child feels free to learn, explore, and grow inside it.

 We Begin Again—Together- “Here’s to a year of growth, purpose, and inclusive excellence.”

Let’s carry forward what we’ve learned. Let’s lead with empathy, listen before we react, and love our students fiercely. This year holds challenges, yes—but also real opportunities to rebuild trust, community, and joy.