“Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is the purest joy that anyone can experience.” -Constance Zimmer

Take a moment to think back to your own school years. Was your experience a positive one, a negative one, or did it depend on the stage of life you were in at the time? For me, elementary school and high school were truly enjoyable. Middle school, however, was a very different story. I imagine many of you can relate.

My challenges during those years weren’t rooted in academics but rather in the social aspects of school. Wearing braces and glasses, I was quickly labeled a “nerd” and teased to the point that, by today’s standards, it could have been considered bullying. While those experiences were difficult, I was able to persevere, and they ultimately did not define my overall perception of school. A major reason for that was the strong support system I had at home. My parents were deeply involved, maintained open communication with my teachers and school, and advocated for me every step of the way.

Your school experience may have been similar to mine—or it may have been very different. If your experience was especially challenging, it can be easy to carry those feelings forward and project them onto your own child’s educational journey. Before continuing, I ask that you take a moment to pause with an open mind. As Elsa famously sang in Frozen, “Let it go.” Your past experiences do not have to define your child’s future. History does not have to repeat itself.

Each year of school is a new beginning for your child. While I can’t promise that every year will be perfect—some years are simply better than others—it is important to give each teacher and each school the opportunity to support your child in meaningful ways. Education works best when it is built on partnership. That partnership includes you, your child, and the school working together with a shared focus and mutual trust.

Always remember your “why”: your child’s education and well-being. What matters most is that they are supported, encouraged, and provided with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. That growth cannot happen if we let our own past experiences cloud their future. Staying engaged, informed, and present—both at school and at home—helps ensure that our children feel safe, valued, and empowered.

Our children deserve nothing less than our best effort, our open hearts, and our unwavering support as they navigate their own unique educational journeys.