Day One of any adventure is an exciting one: you are eager to find out what comes next; nervous about the challenges that lay ahead; and enthusiastic about the potential of an untold story.

For students and families, every first day of school marks Day One of a new journey – and each student’s journey is unique. Where one may feel confident and ready, another may feel timid and anxious. Day One brings with it different feelings for different students.

The success of Day One, and the tone it sets for the rest of the school year adventure, depends on the way those first feelings are supported and understood. Will that excitement find an outlet? Will that anxiety be calmed?

On this year’s Day One, The Quaker School at Horsham’s sidewalk was filled with eager, smiling faces, ready to take the next step. Students knew what to expect, or knew that their expectations would be understood. They were entering a safe place, a supportive place – a place that felt like home.

Parents were ready to start another Day One as well. Once students piled into the building to find their homerooms, parents stayed outside to enjoy the sunshine, a cup of coffee, and candid conversation.

“I can’t believe how much my daughter loved summer school here; she couldn’t wait to come back today.”

“Did you see that? My son just walked into the building without tears!”

“Would you open a high school? We don’t think we can find another community like this for our son.”

All in all, Day One at The Quaker School was a success. It set expectations, calmed fears – and built upon the already strong community we have worked hard to cultivate.

On that day, and every day, we are thankful to fill a meaningful role in the lives of students and families; to be a place where childhood can shine for every student; and to be the source of many positive Day One’s for our community.