Back to School

Hi, Friends! Summer is still kickin’ along, but seeing all the kids go back to school over the past two weeks puts me in the mood for fall. Without a doubt, it’s my favorite season. It’s hard to contain the excitement I feel when I see those first flashes of color in the leaves as I’m driving or strolling through our beautiful region. The best part of being a local is watching the gradual build of brilliant color day after day. A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Old Mill Road was wrapping our Fall issues, and now Stratton Magazine has arrived with a beautiful cover to usher in those autumnal vibes. In fact, its pages are bursting with both images and tastes of the season, so be sure to check it out! 

I call the late summer/early fall “Back to School” season. It doesn’t matter whether you have school-aged kids, adult children, or you’re just reminiscing about what the first day of school felt like for you back in the day. This time of year has its own energy. It’s a little bittersweet for parents, kids, teachers, and other school personnel, because for us, summer feels a bit like a distant dream. My own son has waffled between “I can’t believe summer’s over,” to “I’m really bored, I’m actually looking forward to school.” I feel you, my child! 

    Elliott’s First Day of 7th Grade

The start of any new school year also feels inspirational. What will our kids learn and accomplish now that they’ve moved forward into another year of education? How will they change, how will they grow? Maybe you don’t have kids, but you’re a teacher, an administrator, a coach, a counselor, a school chef, a crossing guard, a bus driver, or a librarian. You’re all feeling the excitement, too.

To all of you who have charged headfirst into the new school year with hope and vigor, I’d like to say “THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!” It’s no small thing to entrust a child into your care every school day. Each one of you contributes to the quality of our children’s educational experiences. The feeling of community is so strong right now and I can’t wait to see what the 2025-2026 school year brings! 

Looking for a few ways you can help out some of your local schools as they kick off another school year?

Check in with Arlington Memorial High School about donating to specific scholarships and programs

Support the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union and the schools in its district

Donate to Burr & Burton Academy’s Annual Fund

Check in with The Dorset School about donating to specific programs

Check in with the Fisher Elementary School about their Parent Teacher Group and other programs in need of volunteers

Buy a Manchester Elementary & Middle School “MEMS Card”

Donate to the Maple Street School

Check in with Mount Anthony Union Middle School and Mount Anthony Union High School about donating to specific scholarships and programs

Find out how you can help the Parent Teacher Organization at Shaftsbury Elementary

Support the Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union and the schools in its district