Newton County students had already made their way back to school before the calendar even turned to August. For those students it is a time of new beginnings, continued education, excitement and/or dread.

For parents who have been entertaining those students since the end of the 2014-15 school year, the emotions may be slightly different.

All around though, we hope there is a feeling of optimism.

Teachers have been busy the last few weeks resetting their rooms, readying new lesson plans and preparing new ways to reach our younger generation. Let that signify a new start for everyone.

For students, we hope they take a chance of a new beginning each year for granted. Once you get into the work force there is no new semester. For parents, take note of the troubled times we are in and the recession we are trying to pull ourselves out of. The hope of different times lies with us all, but most critically with your sons and daughters heading off to school and learning how to be better leaders than we have now.

For those without students, let’s make the school year as pleasant for Newton County students as possible. Be careful in school zones, watch for students and families crossing the roads, and stop for busses.

Newton County has made a lot of changes over the last 10-20 years, and there is the possibility of even more. However, for the future to be as bright as it can be then we must have educated people ready to join the workforce.

In 2015-16 we as a community need to make every test, every student and every teacher count. Not just for 2016 graduation but for the future of the entire community.