By Renee Marshall
SCVEF Vice President
Renee Marshall Education

Many Santa Clarita children and teens started the 2021-2022 school year this week. For some, it had been over 500 days since they have physically stepped foot on a school campus. Excitement filled the air on the days leading up to opening day.

We had 10th graders who were going to their high school for the very first time, and 1st graders who spent their first year of school (kindergarten) in the virtual space and this week was their first experience being on a campus with a face-to-face teacher. No one knew exactly what to expect. But the school year started with many of the traditions that families hold dear. SCV families posted pictures of their children’s first day of school, some students holding signs that shared information such as the new teacher’s name, what grade they’re in, and what they want to be when they grow up. Santa Clarita districts shared pictures of their students on the first day of school and reflected on some of their favorite traditions with the return to campus. The superintendent of the Saugus school district wrote on Facebook about how fun it was to see all the new students’ shoes, as getting new shoes is often a sign of a brand-new school year. The Castaic district shares first-day pictures annually and CUSD families look forward to the tradition.

As we return to school and figure out all the (still) moving pieces including car valet lines and new processes and procedures to help keep our kids healthy, we are reminded that the children and teens are watching us. They watch us as adults to see how we react to the changes and how we adapt. We are in a time of transition, and our Santa Clarita children are looking to us to show them how to lead the way. So as the 2021-2022 school year kicks off, let’s remind our children and teens (and each other) to give grace, model kindness, extend patience and make sure that when we see students we provide them with support, compassion, a listening ear, and an open heart.

Santa Clarita has some of the best schools in all of California. This past year has been rough on many. Please remember to take this time to celebrate the return to school and our Santa Clarita teachers. It is also time to celebrate the NEW teachers in Santa Clarita. (Our 5 school districts have welcomed many this new school year!) It’s going to be a great 2021-2022 school year! We got this SCV!