The last Heinecke started college classes this week: my niece is now a college freshman. She is a high school graduate who works hard and is intelligent, personable, and kind. She is prepared for these new challenges, and she will be successful.
Despite being prepared, she has never experienced college before. It does not really help her that her grandparents are all college graduates, that her parents are college graduates, that her uncle and aunt are college graduates, that her cousins are college graduates, that her brother and sister are college graduates. Her preparation is her own, and now she has to experience college and college life for herself.
While a little nervous, she was excited. She moved in last week and got situated in her dorm with her roommates. She had her schedule and had purchased her required books and materials. Some new clothes, a meal plan, and a few bucks to spend on something fun (probably snacks), and she was ready to begin. Having attended hundreds of classes with many teachers through high school, college will be similar while also being different. All of her experiences are the preparation for college and for that success.
The first two weeks of middle school are done. We have established a foundation for this year, even making some mistakes. And while these days are similar to some from previous years, this year will be different. This year will have moments of joy and moments of sadness. It does not help that you went through middle school. It does not help if there are siblings who went through middle school. Your child needs to experience her/his own unique celebrations, failures, and growth...all three years.
The new year has started, and my staff and I are here for your child and also for you. We are the support for the preparation that creates your child’s middle-school years. It is an exciting time, and I look forward to engaging with your child and all these young people. They have begun the experiences that will be their growth, both now and for their future successes.
Weeks at a Glance
- Monday, September 9 - Student/Family Handbook Agreement due
- Friday, September 13 - Final day for Pictures (retakes or missed)
- Tuesday, September 17 - Directed Study Begins
- Wednesday, September 18 - Academic Eligibility Warnings for Student-athletes