Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, August 11, 2011

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Neighborhood kids walking to school were among the first arrivals at Stonewall Elementary.

Come mid-August, students often hear the familiar questions – How did you spend your summer break? And, are you ready for a new school year? Well, what about their teachers?

7:30 a.m. at Stonewall Elementary

Lavon Cress, who is starting her 19^th year in the classroom, sported a light blue “Stonewall ROCKS!” T-shirt on Thursday, the first day of school. Right before her third-graders arrived, she paused to reflect on how she stays on top of her game.

“Every group brings something different to the table,” she said. “I really enjoy learning about each student.”

By the end of the year, for instance, Cress can tell by a particular child’s expression what kind of day he’s having at school.

Vacationing with extended family on Hilton Head Island brought a measure of relaxation this summer, and Cress returned to Stonewall primed to share fresh ideas with her colleagues and her kids.

“As a teacher, you’re never truly finished,” she said.

As students streamed into the cafeteria and down the hallways, proud mothers snapped photos and fathers gave young shoulders a quick squeeze good-bye. P.E. teacher Monica Noble welcomed students back as she walked her own daughter to class.

“The kids smiling and hugging me definitely rejuvenate me every year,” she said.

Noble also got a summer boost from a statewide physical education workshop and a trip to Destin, Fla.

In her seventh year at Stonewall, she will experience her first leadership change in Fayette County Public Schools, with Tom Shelton taking the reins from Stu Silberman on Sept. 1.

“No matter the superintendent, my expectations are always high,” she said.

8:30 a.m. at Tates Creek High School

Outside the building, animated teenagers clustered in small groups before the first bell. Whether checking out fashion statements or just catching up with friends, they seemed excited to be back.

Down a far hallway, veteran art teacher Janet Wozniak was the picture of serenity. With nearly 25 years of experience, probably nothing could surprise her on the opening day of school.

Wozniak, who finds her bliss in gardening, said her big trip this summer was going home to Toledo for the first time in two decades. Then came her usual curriculum preparation; the latest focus was her drawing course.

“I always pick a class to revamp, and that builds my repertoire of projects,” she explained. “You can’t do it all every year, so you just rotate among the classes.”

Nearby, first-year chorus teacher Meg Stohlmann enjoyed the quiet before her first class – an all-girls ensemble. Having been a student-teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar High and Southern Elementary, she is familiar with FCPS and has already established relationships with colleagues.

“They’ve been very helpful on giving advice on what to do the first couple of days,” said Stohlmann, who also teaches at Henry Clay High School.

Her busy summer included a two-week trek home to California and a workshop with the state chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. She also directed a SummerFest musical at the Arboretum.

Stohlmann is eager to instill that high-energy approach in her students at Tates Creek.

“I expect them to work really hard as we build up this program,” she said. “I’m excited to get them going and see what we can do.”

9:30 a.m. at Crawford Middle School

At Crawford, the day began with a schoolwide assembly in the gym, where youngsters heard the basics on everything from class schedules to personal aspirations. The latter also was evident on the staff T-shirts: SWAG – Students Who Achieve Greatness.

Jason Ashburn, who is teaching sixth-grade social studies, is definitely on board with that philosophy. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he brings a certain swagger as well as high hopes for success in his first year in the classroom.

“I’m a blank canvas, and I’ve been painted with PDs,” he said, referring to professional development sessions that help train teachers.

His passion for geography and maps – he has visited 14 countries around the world – will serve his students well. He also will share his passion for sports as one of the assistant football coaches.

Ashburn, who got a little sunburned tubing on Lake Cumberland last weekend, subbed at Crawford last year so he is familiar with the school. He also knows the importance of developing the whole child.

“I have a little insight because I have a middle schooler at home,” he said.

In the nearby seventh-grade pod, another relatively new teacher checked off names on her roll in homeroom. Samantha Lynch tries to get to know her students as quickly as possible.

“I feel drawn to middle school kids. I like to build relationships and make them feel important,” said Lynch, who teaches science and math.

After a whirlwind summer of moving into a new home, briefly teaching English in Haiti and dipping her toes in the waves at Folly Beach on the South Carolina coast, she was prepared to launch into the school year at Crawford.

“I’m getting all my students college-ready, and I expect they’ll perform,” she said.