New Year, New Beginnings: Loveland Students Return Ready to Learn and Grow

The first school bells of the new school year have rung across Loveland, and students, teachers and families are settling back into the familiar rhythms of school.

Loveland students returned to classrooms on August 13, bringing an end to summer break and the beginning of another year filled with new opportunities, activities, friendships and learning.

For teachers, the opening weeks of school are about more than getting students accustomed to new schedules and classroom routines. They are also an opportunity to build relationships and create a welcoming environment for the year ahead.

At Loveland Primary School, first-grade teacher Laura Zanzinger said those early days are especially important for her students.

“The first few weeks of school is such an important time in first grade as we get to know one another and begin building our classroom community,” Zanzinger said. “I really enjoy getting to know each of my students and learning about their interests, personalities, and the things that make them excited to learn!”

Second-grade teacher Jen Miller shares that focus on creating a positive classroom environment.

“I love creating a safe and welcoming classroom space for my students each year,” Miller said.

While teachers are helping students establish their routines, students are already looking forward to the experiences that come with a new school year.

Third-grader Olivea McHone said she is looking forward to attending music concerts this year. Her older sister, eighth-grader Lylian McHone, is anticipating taking part in Loveland Middle School Drama’s upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr.

For third-grader Morgan Glanton, the school year means field trips and making new friends.

“I’m excited for field trips (...) and making a lot of new friends,” she said.

Other students are approaching the year with goals of their own. One second-grader said they are looking forward to learning to “read big words and write big words,” while another summed up their goal simply: “I want to try my best.”

Those attitudes are already being reflected in classrooms throughout the district.

“We are so proud of our Tigers showing care, respect and responsibility each day,” said third-grade teachers Summer Mangano and Becky Steele.

For teachers, one of the most rewarding parts of a new school year is seeing students discover what they are capable of accomplishing. Second-grade teacher Scott Koehler said that excitement is what continues to drive him as an educator.

“I think the thing I’m most excited about this year, is the same thing I’m excited about every year, and what drives me as a teacher,” Koehler said. “I can’t wait to see what this group of students does. I’m always genuinely inspired and impressed by just how much they grow.”

As the first weeks of school continue, Loveland’s classrooms are filling with new routines, activities and opportunities. There are new lessons to learn, friendships to form, performances and field trips to anticipate, and plenty of growth ahead.

First-grade teacher Karen Griffin perhaps captured the spirit of the new school year best.

“A new school year is a beautiful reminder that every child brings a unique light into our classroom.”

For Loveland students and teachers, that new year is now underway.

All photos by Jen Miller