“Students
and teachers don’t leave their humanity behind when they come to school – they
bring their personal problems, conflicts, hopes, and dreams to the classroom.
They need special moments in the daily tasks of teaching and learning
(themselves rituals) to reflect on what’s really important, connect with one
another, and feel the common spirit that makes seeming routines less like
assembly like work and more like spiritual communion. These small details in
school life give it meaning and value” (Deal, T.E., & Peterson, K.D, 2016 p. 102). When Covid persisted and
seemed like it would never go away many school districts had to start a new
school virtually again. Many parents wanted to encourage students to be excited
about returning to school even if it was not the traditional first day. In
Atlanta, Georgia, many parents worked hard to keep the first day of school
rituals alive and engaging. “As with
every first day of school, parents took to social media to post pictures of
their students getting ready for the new year” (Walker, M. A., 2020, p.
1). Education is encompassed by strong traditions, rituals, and celebrations to
connect students with the school culture. Some rituals take a special place in
the school community, for example the first day of school. This is something
students have to look forward to every year. When school community acknowledges
certain rituals as part of the school culture it creates a sense of culture
foundation. That is why families in Atlanta, proceeded with first day of school
rituals, such as: first day of school pictures, family breakfast before school,
new clothes, and special gifts. Families wanted to encourage students to be
excited about the first day of school even if schools were starting virtually
again. “Instead of heading off to begin their
day with friends, many retreated to workspaces set up at kitchen tables, their
bedrooms or in home offices where space has been designated for them” (Walker,
M. A., 2020, p. 1). Families decided to give
students their own space to make sure they understood that school was continuing
even if it was from home. Creating an exciting first day for students
encourages learning to a higher level. Covid did not stop the first day
of school rituals, it gave an opportunity for families to invest more time in
making attending school virtually as equally as important.
References.
Deal, T. E., &
Peterson, K.D., (2016). Shaping school culture: The heart of leadership.
Jossey-Bass.
Walker, M. A. (2020). Ajc
local in-depth school reopenings: parents work to keep back-to-school rituals:
they try to make first day special even if not sending them off. The Atlanta
Journal - Constitution, B.1, 1.
