Today was a great start to the 2023-24 school year in Abilene ISD! We loved welcoming back our students and families at every school across our district. There’s never been a better time to be a part of Abilene ISD, where we’re equipping learners for brighter futures every day!
We also got to share tons of great first day of school photos from our AISD Family. Click on the button above to see #AISDFirstDay photos from families across Abilene. See you at school tomorrow, and have a great year!
AISD Principals Recap The First Day Experience
Matilda Jimenez has seen just about everything there is to see in education. However, even beginning her 32nd year in education, she admits to still having butterflies each year on the first day of school.
That was no different on Wednesday, Aug. 16, when she welcomed students to Purcell Elementary School, where she is beginning her third year as the principal.
“Although I am very excited to see our students return to our campus, I can still get anxious,” she said. “Will they be excited about coming back? What happened to them over the summer that may have had a negative effect on them? Who will need behavior support, and are we equipped to meet their needs? Did I share all the procedures well enough that new teachers will feel successful? Will dismissal go OK? Will the kids get to the right place for dismissal? Do all the parents know and understand the expectations for dismissal? But I always love the excitement of the first day of school.”
Now in his sixth year as the principal at Madison Middle School, Josh Newton said that his butterflies come a little earlier than the first day of school.
“I don’t feel them (on the first day) as much now, especially since we host our ‘Meet the Teacher’ event the Monday before school starts,” he said. “Butterflies before that event? Absolutely!. But it’s that event when the students and families are face-to-face with us that the nerves settle, and I remember why I’m an educator.”
And at Cooper High School, Lyndsey Williamson – now in her fifth year as the campus principal – said her before-school butterflies are still there, and she doesn’t see that changing.
“There are so many things that need to be done, and I always want to do everything possible to make the first day great for students and teachers,” she said. “The night before school starts – no matter how tired I am – I don’t sleep much. I don’t think that will ever change.”
All three principals spent considerable time working with new campus staff members before the first day of school. They checked on them throughout Wednesday to ensure those new hires felt comfortable in their new surroundings.
“I spent a lot of time explaining procedures to ensure a successful day (on Wednesday), said Jimenez, who has 17 new staff members this year. “I was able to walk by some classrooms to check in with the teacher, and I checked in with others as they brought their classes to lunch. We were able to meet after school to debrief about any concerns they had. But it was, for the most part, a very smooth day.”
With nine new staff members at Madison, Newton said he and his staff were able to fan out across the campus to make sure those new hires had what they needed for the first day.
“We were fortunate enough to have the time to check in on them (new staff members) and see what support they needed,” he said. “More than that, leading a team that truly looks after its own is a blessing. This group is not afraid to step across a hallway and ask what can be done to support one another.”
Williamson had her own crew to check in on, but her day started early at home, getting herself, her husband, and two kids off to four different schools daily. Her husband, James, is the defensive coordinator at Abilene High School, and their children are at other middle and elementary schools in the district, and she heads off to Cooper.
“The saying ‘It takes a village’ is incredibly fitting for us,” Williamson said. “We have incredible friends who help us get everyone where they need to be in the mornings, which allows James and me to get to school early every morning to prepare to begin the day. Our kids extend us a lot of grace and have become incredibly flexible and understanding during the hectic times.”
Not lost in all of the first-day jitters was caring for the well-being of students, some of whom were stepping onto campuses across the district for the first time. Both Newton and Jimenez had their share of newbies on campus. They spent considerable time ensuring those new students – whether new to their campuses or the district in general – were comfortable.
“Those new students are so curious,” Newton said. “They’re ready to listen and learn, even when it comes to finding how they get to their next class. Their smiles and enthusiasm bring so much energy to the campus.”
That energy was also palpable at Cooper, with an incoming freshman class providing some excitement on campus.
“The freshmen seemed to do great,” Williamson said. “We always have lots of folks helping them find their way, which I think eases their minds. The first day can be overwhelming for our new students, but they seemed to be having a great first day. Our staff is excited about this ninth-grade class.”
