The days leading up to the first day of school are some of the most exciting and nerve wracking days for everyone. Students are excited for the new school year and all of the fun they hope to have in class, in activities and athletics, and with friends new and old. Parents are amazed that their child/ren is/are another year older and taking on new responsibilities. School staff are frantically working to be ready for their new students and the new year ahead–they never actually feel “ready.” When the first day arrives and progresses, the nerves go away and we are all left with a feeling of excitement.  It is now early Friday morning: the first day when we will have all students back on campus. I am nothing but excited…for today and the year ahead.  It has been wonderful to see the students and parents returning to AAS over the past two days. Most of my conversations go the same way: first I am asked about my summer; then I am asked if we will be on campus for in-person learning all year. To the first question, I respond that it was a splendid summer. No trip to America this year. Just a lot of sunny and relaxing time in Bulgaria and Greece. To the second question, I say that I don’t know if we will be on campus for in-person learning all year, but I sure hope so (and I usually knock on wood–my head). …