OAASIS - Journey To Success

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! A new year brings fresh opportunities, renewed determination, and another chance to move closer to the future you have imagined.

In adult education, we understand that success is not a single moment or final destination. Success is a journey. It is found in the decision to begin, the courage to return, and the determination to keep moving forward even when the road becomes challenging. Every class attended, skill learned, test completed, and obstacle overcome is an important step along that journey.

To our students, whether you are earning a diploma, preparing for the GED® test, strengthening your academic skills, learning English, or training for a new career, remember that your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. Some paths are straight, while others include unexpected turns, pauses, and new beginnings. What matters most is that you continue moving forward. Be proud of every step, no matter how small it may seem, because each one brings you closer to your goals.

To our instructors, administrators, support staff, and community partners, thank you for walking alongside our students. Your encouragement, patience, knowledge, and commitment help students navigate challenges and recognize the possibilities ahead. You do more than teach lessons. You help build confidence, inspire hope, and remind students that they are capable of achieving more than they may have believed possible.

As we begin this new school year, let us embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate progress. There will be milestones along the way, but there will also be moments that require patience and perseverance. Through it all, remember that every meaningful journey begins with one courageous step.

Welcome back, adult education students and staff! The 2026–2027 school year is a new chapter in our journey to success, and we cannot wait to see where it takes you.

OAASIS Team Members understand the needs of students because they are all current or former adult education students themselves. Team Members represent students at the local level by contributing at their adult education site. Many assist with student orientations and student retention, organize community outreach projects, offer peer mentoring, student organization activities, fundraisers for scholarships, and so much more! Team Members advocate and bring awareness to adult education statewide by organizing events, such as their annual Legislative Meet and Greet to give students the opportunity to share their stories with legislators from their districts.

1. Make a Personal Connection

Greet students by name, introduce yourself, and take time to learn something about them. A warm welcome and genuine smile can help ease first-day anxiety and show students that they are seen, valued, and supported.

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

Clearly explain classroom expectations, available resources, and how students can ask for help. Remind them that questions are encouraged, mistakes are part of learning, and everyone’s educational journey is different.

3. Recognize the Courage It Took to Begin

Returning to the classroom can be a major step for an adult learner. Acknowledge their courage and remind them that enrolling is already an accomplishment. Encourage students to focus on progress, celebrate small victories, and take their journey one step at a time.

Remember: Students may forget what happened during the first lesson, but they will remember whether they felt welcomed, respected, and encouraged.

Submit photos to Chanteea.Harmon@sussexvt.k12.de.us

Success is a journey, and every word in this puzzle represents something that can help you along the way. Take a few minutes to complete our Welcome Back Word Search and look for words such as courage, growth, confidence, goals, persistence, education, and achievement. How many can you find?

Just like reaching your educational goals, finding every word may take focus and patience, but don’t give up! Remember, YOU GOT THIS!

OAASIS is participating in Boscov’s annual Friends Helping Friends event on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

With a $5 donation, you will receive a shopping pass for 25% off eligible purchases in-store and online. You can also register for a chance to win a $100 Boscov’s gift card, with one winner selected at every Boscov’s location.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will support adult education students by providing gas gift cards and DART bus passes, helping remove transportation barriers as they continue their journey toward success.

See your OAASIS Team Member to purchase your ticket.

Thank you for supporting OAASIS while enjoying a great day of shopping and savings!

Success looks different for everyone, and we want to hear what it means to you! Complete the sentence below and share your answer with us:

This year, success looks like __________________________.

Your response could be featured in an upcoming issue of the Journey to Success newsletter. Whether your goal is passing a test, earning a credential, learning a new skill, growing in confidence, or simply continuing to show up, every step forward is worth celebrating!

Email responses to Chanteea.Harmon@sussexvt.k12.de.us

“Success is not measured only by how far you have to go, but also by how far you have already come.” Booker T. Washington