Growing up, for many years, summer was my favorite season and the best time of year to be alive.  This was most true when I was a child and had the privilege of having summers off.  Those were fun times.

I grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, a town that reminds me a lot of Selma.  My older sister and I used to ride our bikes all over town visiting friends and just enjoying the freedom from school. 

Fast forward to today, and I have not had a summer off in many years.  Despite what many friends and family members believe, administrators work a great deal of the summer.  It’s not always fun work either.

During the school year, we work and meet and plan and meet and then meet some more.  Between all of that is the joy of serving our scholars. 

Over the past school year, I enjoyed Lunch and Learn time with scholars from each of our schools.  They shared their hopes and dreams and talked about what they needed most from their school.  The conversations were engaging, enlightening and sometimes really entertaining.

I miss those conversations during the summer.

The school year was also filled with band concerts, sports events and many student celebrations.  I enjoyed several fall festivals and field day events.  Our scholars even served on interview teams and participated in our Rotary meetings.

I will miss those types of events this summer.

I still love summer, but it certainly is different. My love for summer now is all about the fact that it gives me time to reflect, refresh and reignite for another year.  Closing out a school year is not fun but planning for the next one is a blast.  My Team and I have very full days as we grapple with data, consider staffing needs, and make decisions that will ensure that our next school year is a success.

We are committed to this work.  Over the next few weeks, check out our social media outlets and website for Team Selma updates.  This will include several Chew and Chat events next month to learn more about what our families need from us.

After the Chew and Chats, I am forming a Parent Advisory Council.  More details will be shared soon.  For now, I look forward to focusing on how to make this next school year amazing.  I am taking a break from writing and will resume next month.  In the meantime, I hope you find something to love about each summer day.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.