Dear Students, Families, and Community Partners,

Welcome to a brand-new school year! As your Director of Federal Programs & Student Services, I am excited to embark on this journey with you as we continue to grow, learn, and succeed together. Each new year brings fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and the promise of excellence—and this year is no different.

Our schools are more than just places of learning; they are vibrant communities where every student is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We remain committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every voice matters and every dream is nurtured.

Thank you to our families for your continued partnership, and to our dedicated staff for the passion and professionalism you bring each day. Let’s make this year one of achievement, joy, and community.

Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Geneva Riddick-Faulkner
Weldon City Schools

Director of Federal Programs & Student Services

Back-to-school can evoke a range of emotions for students, including excitement, anxiety, and sadness. While some students may look forward to the new school year with enthusiasm, others may experience fear and worry about new teachers, classmates, or academic challenges. These feelings can be normal and are often part of the transition back to school.

Common emotions associated with back-to-school:

Excitement:

• Many students are excited to reconnect with friends, start new classes, and experience new things.

• New situations, like a new school or new teachers, can trigger anxiety in some students.

• Some students may feel sad about the end of summer and the return to the school routine.

• It's common to feel a bit nervous about the unknown and the start of a new school year.

• Some students may experience fear related to academic performance, social situations, or bullying.

• For some, especially those who may have struggled with the previous school year, there may be a sense of relief and hope for a fresh start.

  
  

Signs of back-to-school anxiety in kids:

• Changes in mood, such as irritability or sadness.
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite.
• Increased clinginess or separation anxiety.
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of school-related activities.

• Talk about emotions: Openly discuss feelings about the upcoming school year.
• Acknowledge and validate feelings: Let your child know that it's okay to feel anxious or sad.
• Prepare for the new school year: Help your child get organized with school supplies and routines.
• Encourage healthy coping strategies: Promote exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices.
• Seek professional help if needed: If anxiety is severe or persistent, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist.