The air feels electric in September

a monthly message from Jamila Carter

The air feels electric in September as children, families, and teachers gear up for the new school year. At PIC, we are excited to welcome new families while watching our oldest learners transition to kindergarten, making room for children to move into new classrooms. It's a time filled with joy, celebration, and the anticipation of positive change and new beginnings.

In late August, our teachers and administrators participated in three in-service training days, designed to enrich and empower our team through professional development and collaborative activities. This time allowed us to reflect on our work, refresh our classrooms, and strengthen our community. This year's in-service theme was "Connecting, Collaborating, and Communicating." Our teaching team engaged in thoughtful discussions on leadership, teamwork, and reciprocal learning, sharing valuable insights and ideas.

As the new Executive Director, this was my first in-service experience at PIC, and it was an incredible opportunity to connect with our dedicated staff. Our teachers shared their "Whys"—the reasons they feel called to work at PIC—which underscored their passion for fostering a high-quality learning environment that nurtures curiosity, inspires discovery, and enriches the lives of children and families. It was a delight to engage in meaningful conversations, poetry, and even performance art with our talented teaching team.

In just a few short days during in-service, I’ve already learned so much about our vibrant community, and I’m eagerly looking forward to our upcoming September classroom meetings and potlucks. These evening events offer a chance for teachers and families to come together, fostering connections and building community. For me, they provide yet another opportunity to meet with families and learn what makes PIC such a thriving and special place.

After nearly two decades of experiencing the excitement of a new school year, September still feels magical to me. I’m excited for this new chapter at PIC and look forward to embarking on this journey with all of you as we navigate the year ahead together.

To truly get into the spirit of the season, I recommend giving Earth, Wind & Fire's classic song "September" a listen. Its upbeat, joyful rhythm is sure to get you excited for the magic of this time of year!