WELCOME TEACHERS to Making The Trail Blog:I am so excited to make the trail along this journey with you and our fellow colleagues. Today is Monday, July 13, we are already trying to juggle the COVID-19 challenges and prepare for the new school year. We all know that this new school year is not going to be easy, no matter who you are. No matter your job title: whether in administration, in the classroom as teachers or teacher's aides, cafeteria workers, or custodial workers. Our jobs are changing drastically. I want to add some uplifting words of encouragement to each and every one of you. You got this! Every year we step into the new school year with new expectations for our students, for ourselves, and for the school or organizations we are working at. We are resilient and rise to the challenges that come our way, each and every year.Every teacher, coach, instructor, and facilitator works for one common goal: to educate the future. Though the steps we take to educate our students may not be the same in every classroom, each of us has a skill set that meets our students right where they are. As teachers, we work with their strengths and improve their weaknesses, to instill a drive for learning in their mind, body, and soul. The students are just as concerned about the potential challenges of the new school year as they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. Little boys and girls are sitting at home trying to grasp this whole pandemic issue, not only the younger students but high schoolers as well. You are there to comfort and nurture them in the 8+ hours that they are in your care.  They're all scared of what this year holds for them. They may not tell their family and friends how they feel, but everyone will be on edge. You have a wonderful opportunity to help them and see them grow into mature adults, to help them cope with the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in a positive and graceful manner. You are living representations of what used to be their normal. Please don't get bogged down with all the rules and regulations, and forget to minister to the least of these.I pray that you will have a wonderful school year with your students. When you feel overwhelmed and want to throw in the towel, pause and take a deep breath. You've Got This!