A Gentle Beginning: The Importance of a Positive First Day of School

The first day of school carries so much weight for children and parents alike. New routines, unfamiliar spaces, and the anticipation of what is ahead can stir up excitement as well as nervous feelings. At United Friends School (UFS), we understand that the way a school year begins can set the tone for the months to come. That is why we approach the first day with the same care, calm, and intention that shape every part of our Quaker education.

Creating Calm Amid the Unknown

Transitions can feel overwhelming, but a nurturing environment helps ease uncertainty. At UFS, we begin with quiet grounding practices inspired by Quaker tradition, moments of stillness that allow friends to breathe, notice their feelings, and center themselves. This gentle start creates a sense of calm not just for students, but also for parents who entrust us with their children.

Research indicates that environments characterized by support, fairness, and safety can reduce anxiety and promote resilience. Starting the year with calm, predictable routines helps children regulate nervous feelings and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.

Gathering as a Community

At the start of the day, after everyone was settled into their classrooms, we gathered as a school in the Big Room for Meeting for Announcement. We began with shared silence and, with the guidance of our Head of School and Associate Head of School, introduced faculty. Students were then invited, if they felt comfortable, to greet the whole group, and we concluded with students sharing their own announcements.

Our youngest friends enjoyed a welcoming playdate with their parents, introducing them to their teachers and classrooms in a calm and joyful manner. Friends in both preschool classes painted pictures, explored classroom materials, and enjoyed time outside in the playground and outdoor classroom. One parent remarked that it was meaningful to enter a calm setting with their child, rather than simply dropping them off and leaving on the first day. This gentle introduction eased nerves and allowed both students and parents to feel at home.

Immediately after drop off, we also hosted Coffee and Community with the leadership and families. Parents and guardians stayed, enjoyed conversation, and spent time together outside in the beautiful sunshine. This gathering offered families an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and feel supported as their children started the school day.

A Place of Belonging

Walking into a new classroom, children immediately seek signs that they belong. Our teachers are intentional in the ways they welcome each child, greeting them with care and curiosity and creating classroom spaces that feel warm and inclusive. Belonging is not just a hope at UFS, but a lived experience rooted in our values of community, simplicity, and care for one another.

Studies confirm that a strong sense of belonging is tied to better academic performance, improved well-being, and fewer behavioral challenges. Even more, children who feel seen and valued from the very first day are more likely to carry that assurance with them throughout the year.

Nurturing Love and Connection

The first day is also a chance to affirm that school is a place where every child is seen and loved. At UFS, we emphasize cooperation over competition, kindness over comparison, and curiosity over perfection. Nervous feelings find comfort in this environment, where students know they will be met with compassion and respect. Parents, too, are embraced as partners in their child’s educational journey, fostering a shared sense of trust and connection.

Research supports these practices. When teachers take time to personally greet students and build relationships, children report feeling more accepted, respected, and supported. This becomes the foundation of a safe and thriving classroom.

More Than Just a Day

A positive first day is not about a single moment. It is about beginning a journey in the right spirit. When students leave school feeling calm, cared for, and excited to return, they carry that assurance into every new challenge and discovery. At United Friends School, we know that the first day is a doorway, and we strive to make that doorway one of peace, belonging, and joy.

Curious to learn more about how UFS nurtures students from the very first day? We invite you to contact us to schedule a visit and experience our community for yourself.

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