FALMOUTH (WGME) – Tens of thousands of students in Maine are heading back to school this week.
This means that many teachers are making last-minute preparations for the big day.
“There is always so much to do and not enough time,” said Chris Driscoll, sixth-grade math teacher at Falmouth Middle School.
Driscoll is no novice when it comes to decorating; he has been teaching for 25 years.
“The best thing about returning to school is their joy at seeing each other again,” Driscoll said.
And it’s not just the children who feel this way.
“I have learned so much and I am so excited to share it all with my students and tell them all about Senegal,” said French teacher Michelle Fournier.
Fournier hopes to bring something new from her first trip to French-speaking Africa.
“This year I will incorporate some Wolof into my curriculum,” said Fournier.
The free time was used to create lesson plans, prepare materials and consider what atmosphere should prevail in the school halls.
“Our school has really focused on preparing over the summer to build a real community with our students,” said Jonathan Pollock, music and choir teacher. “We want to be a school where we don’t just focus on the ‘me,’ but on the ‘we,’ and how we can be a team together.”
This is a time of real growth where the possibilities are endless.
CBS13 asked teachers if they had any advice for students.
“Those who are willing to take risks will be the most rewarded and have the most fun,” Driscoll said.
“The teachers are here to support you, and we care about you. And we want you to succeed,” Fournier said.
Fournier says to not be afraid to ask questions, be confident and, most importantly, have fun.
In Falmouth, students in grades one through five, six and nine start on Wednesday, while almost everyone else starts on Thursday.
