As the sun rose on the first day of the 2024-25 school year at Independence Primary School (IPS), the halls buzzed with more than just the usual back-to-school excitement. This year, something special was in the air.
"Today, we're not just starting a new school year," said Principal TJ Ebert. "We're beginning a journey of discovery – about ourselves and each other."
For the next 10 days, IPS embarked on a unique mission: for the staff to truly understand and connect with every student who walked through its doors. The classrooms transformed into hubs of engagement, filled with laughter and curiosity.
In Denise Laich’s third-grade class, students played a lively game of "Guess Who," learning quirky facts about their classmates.
Down the hall, the second grade team was busy creating time capsules. When they open these at the end of the year, they will see how much they have grown and changed."
The school's approach wasn't just fun and games. It was a carefully crafted strategy to build a foundation for academic success. Ebert noted, "When students feel seen and heard, they're more likely to engage in learning and push themselves academically."
By the end of the 10 days, the impact was clear. Shy students were speaking up in class, new friendships had blossomed across grade levels, and teachers reported increased classroom participation.
As IPS settled into its regular academic routine, the spirit of connection remained. The relationships forged in those first 10 days continued to grow, promising a year of engagement, support, and academic achievement.
Ebert summed it up best: "We're not just teaching subjects here at IPS. We're nurturing young minds and hearts. And that starts with truly knowing each and every one of our amazing students."