001[Music] We are ready down here at facilities and operations. So, I'm wishing and hoping everyone has a wonderful and fabulous year. >> As you can see, we are here with our bus drivers, transportation department getting ready to kick off the beginning of the school year. It is such an exciting time and it's going to be an amazing year. >> When you see the big yellow bus rolling, uh, make sure you stay safe, slow down. As you guys know, Arlington has about 28 school speed zone cameras. So, whenever you're in a school vicinity or around the school bus, stay safe. >> We came out today for senior sunrise, just marking the start of the senior year. And then at the end of the year, we're going to do senior sunset. So, just a start and an
002end to what's going to be a great year. >> I'm first generation in my family, so I'm just excited for everything. Honestly, no matter how hard it gets, don't give up. Like, I almost gave up, but I didn't. I'm glad I didn't because here I am graduating early. We just want all the students to feel welcome, to feel included, to feel like they belong, feel good about being in school, and everybody have a great year. >> It's my last year of high school, so I'm just trying to make the most of it with with the time that I have left. So, I'm just excited to get it started. >> I'm full IB, so I like all my classes are pretty like I like all of them. I learn a lot in all of them. I
003really like history, though. That's my favorite topic. I am an educator at heart. It is not just my career, but it's also my personal calling. So, no matter where I am and no matter what I'm doing, I'm always looking for ways to serve students and to uplift the community. >> I think I'm most looking forward to making the most of every moment with like friends and family before I leave for college. >> I feel like, you know, now that we're the oldest persons here, I feel like we have to, you know, try to be the best version of ourselves. Just be your true authentic self and that's where you find the truest friends, the kindest people. That's how I met all my best friends. >> Strength and unity this year is a focus of ours.
004And I think one part of that that about the strength piece is that we come together as one community and that we support one another and that we stay focused in the unified piece around what it's all about and that's education. >> I have a pretty rigorous schedule. So, you know, I'm looking forward to doing well in my classes, hopefully getting to a good college. just the whole system's just like very based on like work ethic. And I think that's important to me because I think that work ethic is like what gets you the farthest. >> Arlington public schools is our number one budget item. We spend the most money on our schools cuz they're the best asset we have in Arlington County. Our kids are phenomenal and we know they're going to have a
005great year this year. >> Happy first day of school. [Applause] [Music] very excited. The energy went up exponentially this morning. The kids have been bouncing off the walls. >> I'm most excited about meeting friends. >> This is truly a dream job for me because I came to Barrett for summer school when I was a fifth grader. So for me, it's full circle. It's coming home. It's a dream come true. [Music] Well, here at Hoff and Boston, our theme is we grow together. And so, we've done a lot of work on thinking about what seeds we're going to plant for this school year with the staff. And hopefully our students will see us flourish throughout the year. >> Have a good day. With the PTA, the biggest thing is it is a great way to connect
006with community, but more importantly, it's for us to ensure that all the magic that happens there is memorable. It's safe. It's engaging. [Music] [Applause] My name is Sergeant Bletzer. I'm with Arlington County Police Department and we're super happy to be out here with APS celebrating the first day of school. Welcome back everyone. This is my 20th year as an educator, so I feel very proud that I've gotten to work with students from all walks of life. For me, the most exciting part coming up is getting to know the kids. I'm looking forward to the first day of school seeing this in my class. >> See my new teacher because my teacher is really nice. >> All of the new things we're going to do this year. >> I really love art. >> So like we
007can play football during recess and like >> Hey, he can't cuz he just broke his face. >> I'm excited for safety patrol and I got the teacher that I really wanted so I'm happy about that too. >> Oh, it's great. It's I love coming to Taylor and dropping off my kids. They have such a blast here and they learn so much. >> We just dropped our kindergartenner off for his first day of school. Uh we're pretty glad that it went well. >> It's kind of antilimatic cuz he went see you. >> I brought these flowers for my teacher. >> He's so happy because he get bigger. >> So last year he was in kindergarten. >> So now he's in first grader. He's so proud of himself, you know. I didn't get one. >> This is
008my wife and we so proud of him too. >> Happy Thursday school. [Music] >> Happy birthday of school. [Applause]