Reading, writing, ‘rithmetic and more – school is back in session.

We’d like to wish a very happy return to the classroom to all students and school personnel. We know our local administrators, staff and teachers have spent much of the “summer break” preparing for an excellent fall semester, and while some students might be dragging their heels, most were likely excited to see their friends and favorite teachers again as a new year of learning begins.

In our line of work, we’re all about education. Our primary function at the newspaper is to share information, to help people increase their knowledge on a wide variety of topics. With that guiding principle as part of our foundation, we 100 percent stand behind our local schools and their mission to train up the next generation.

Add to that, the schools provide a significant portion of our coverage. From academic achievers to star athletes, from club projects to innovative classroom assignments, you know we’ll be keeping a close eye on everything going on in our schools across the county, and we’ll do our best to keep you in the know.

We all remember that feeling of going back to school after a summer break. It’s an exciting, but also in some ways challenging, time.

If you interact with a young person, whether they are a member of your church, the cashier at a local business or maybe your neighbor across the street, be sure to share a positive word or some encouragement. Ask them how school is going, and take the time to listen.

And let’s not forget our hard-working teachers, administrators and other school staff. When we say, “it takes a village,” that is perhaps nowhere more true than in our schools. Principals, specialists, lunchroom workers, bus drivers, custodians, counselors, coaches and more are working to get to know hundreds of new faces and develop a safe and welcoming environment for the students in their care.

When the opportunity arises, we hope you will join us in thanking them for what they do and encouraging them along the way.

Although for most if not all, a career in education is a passion, it’s also not an easy task. We know our school personnel put up with a lot, and we salute them in their efforts.

This is also a time of adjustment for parents. Whether their children are starting kindergarten, college or anywhere between, seeing young scholars start a new chapter in their education is a milestone. It marks the passage of time in an inescapable way.

And on a more basic level, it marks a return to navigating morning and afternoon car lines, arranging after-school activities, packing lunches, helping with homework, meeting with teachers and more.

We know that’s a lot for parents to add to their daily schedules, and we salute you, too, for everything you do to help your child get a meaningful and thorough education. You are to be commended.

All in all, it looks like it’s going to be a great school year. Happy fall 2021 to everyone!