August brings a new school year, new goals, and new memories. If you read our July newsletter, we left you with a reminder to pause, to breathe, and to notice the wonder around you. And now it’s time to carry that same sense of presence and possibility into a new school year.
The Magic Of Beginnings
Whether you’ve been in school for a few weeks now or are still prepping the walls and halls for the students’ arrival, one thing is for sure: the beginning weeks of school are magical. There are glimmers and sparkles and joy and optimism for the year ahead for faculty, staff, families, and students. From new shoes to new school supplies, from freshly sharpened pencils to freshly painted classrooms, the energy is contagious. Hope is in the air.
Beyond the First Few Weeks
But how might we make every day like those first days and weeks once the newness wears off? How might we keep creativity and imagination, sparkle and joy at the forefront when the daily grind starts to kick in?
Even in seasons of challenge—budget constraints, student struggles, or cultural tensions—prioritizing joy is not a distraction, but a proven pathway to stronger relationships, deeper learning, and better outcomes for students.
At Mount Vernon, we believe that relationships are foundational to learning. By continuing to cultivate joy, we can continue to deepen and strengthen our relationships with our students, their families, and each other.
Small Choices, Big Impact
The answer isn’t in grand gestures but in small, intentional choices: greeting students and faculty by name, celebrating growth, embracing curiosity, and remembering that every interaction is a chance to affirm belonging and spark wonder.
When the to-do lists feel heavy, return to the reasons you chose education as your passion. Remember your why. Because at the heart of every lesson plan, every conversation, every planned event or staff meeting, and every challenge is the opportunity to create joy—for yourself, for your colleagues, and most of all, for your students.
Three Ways to Carry Joy Forward
Let’s carry that joy forward. Not just in August, but all year long:
1. Make Space for Play
Leave room for whimsy – Incorporate “Minute to Win It” games and creative brain break challenges that connect learning to curiosity, collaboration, and fun.
2. Foster Connection
Infuse humor, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm – when people feel connected to each other, joy naturally follows. Write surprise notes of appreciation to your team, students, or faculty on sticky notes. Start each morning with a check-in circle to share one word about how they are feeling.
3. Celebrate Progress
Build in fun rituals – “Win of the Week” circle where learners share something they’re proud of accomplishing. Send a note to a family highlighting a student’s achievement of growth or act of kindness.
Join Us In Celebrating Joy
As the school year continues, we encourage you to pause, notice, and name the joy in front of you today. Will you join in cultivating and celebrating joy in our classrooms? Tag us in your joy-boasting posts on Instagram or LinkedIn, or email us. We’d love to hear from you!
