I am not alone in being startled by the suddenness with which this new school year arrived.  While many parents are likely happy to get back into the daily routines that the school year brings, I admit to relishing the lack of programmed schedule that comes with summer weeks.  I often joke that I am worse than my own children when it comes to accepting the arrival of the new school year.

I found a way to usher in the school year that would excite even the most reluctant summer revelers, however.  On August 25th, teachers and staff reported back to work for the new school year, and CEEF was fortunate enough to be a part of their early-morning assembly with the presentation of the annual CEEF teacher awards.  This year, we proudly honored CEMS music teacher Rebecca Bean and CEMS 6th-grade teacher Joe Doane with the Brownell and Thompson Awards, respectively.

I was lucky to be able to take part in the presentation as CEEF's current president.  The teacher award presentation is one of the most uplifting and gratifying moments of the CEEF calendar, allowing us to recognize the phenomenal contributions of some of our very special staff.  (You can read about the history of these awards as well as about the current recipients within our website pages under "Awards."  You can also read about the recipients in the Cape Courier's Sept. 5, 2009 issue.) 

One of the most thrilling aspects of the award presentation is the exuberant way in which the staff respond to the announcement of their colleagues' names.  It is clear that there is a great deal of respect and admiration among our teachers and staff, and they succeed in part because of their exceptional collaboration and cooperation. 

The beginning of the school year is filled with anxiety, eagerness, shuffling of paperwork and realigning of car-pools and work schedules.  It is a busy and often frantic time that eventually levels out into a predictable seven-day set of duties.  Our teachers and staff help our kids reach that level of relative calm, and in turn help us to do the same.  I am so grateful to have been able to thank them on CEEF's behalf for all they do at the start of this exciting and promising time of year. 

Congratulations to Rebecca and Joe, and may the beginning of the school year be as full of hope and energy as the final week will surely be.

Regards,

Christine