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I do not actually remember my very first day of school, in first grade. However, as a teacher with thirty plus years of experience, I have experienced many "first days of school".
I do remember, as a child, an excitement and anticipation as each new school year approached. I couldn't wait for the family shopping expeditions in which we would get our new school supplies for the year. There was something almost magical about getting fresh clean sheets of notebook paper and a pack of new pencils.
If we were lucky, we might get a new dress or two, and usually a new pair of shoes.
As a teacher of handicapped students, very early in my teaching career, I made it a policy to always pray for my students before the first day of school, and every day thereafter.
I don't remember any special prayers, but mostly they went something like this, "Thank you, Lord, for this new beginning. The slate is clean. There are infinite possibilities for this year. Thank you for the students you have placed in my care, the sweet ones as well as the onery. Help me to love each one in such a way that I can teach them what they need to know. Be with us, and guide us through each moment of the day. Amen."
And God always answered my prayers in a positive way.
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