School will soon start back for the 2018-19 school year in Charlotte County. While those lazy summer days probably seemed like they moved a little too quickly for the students, on the contrary, they may have moved a little too slow for the parents.

Nonetheless, the start of school signifies a fresh beginning for all in a way.

“I extend a warm Charlotte County Schools welcome to our students and their families, our dedicated employees and the community. We are excited to welcome everyone back into our schools and are eager to get the school year off to a great start,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Leonard.

For me, a new school year has always meant new everything. Even the small items, such as new notebooks, pencils, clothes and a new schedule gave a feeling of starting fresh.

Each year is a chance to reinvent yourselves. If you weren’t as serious about your grades last year, make it a point to study more or be diligent in completing your assignments.

The weather is changing, and pretty soon those beautiful fall leaves will litter the ground with their autumn colors.

Let the changing of the leaves signify a change for you. For some of you, this is the last, first day of school you will ever have the opportunity to experience. Savor the moment. Reflect on what this summer has taught you and what you hope to accomplish moving forward in life. The memories will last a lifetime.

We are thankful to live in a community that takes pride in all the youth of the county do. As the start of the new school year approaches, several location organizations have helped to make sure CCPS students have the necessities to begin a productive year through free backpack drives.

These drives have provided students with pencils, paper, crayons and even personal items such shampoo to make sure they start the new school year with confidence and on a positive note. Thank you to the selfless citizens of Charlotte County and it is my wish for all CCPS students, teachers and faculty to have a safe, prosperous year.