As Marblehead students were enjoying their final days of summer vacation before returning classrooms Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Current contacted educators across the district to find out about their favorite back-to-school rituals and what they’re most looking forward to.
(Editor’s note: The participants in this feature provided their responses before the fatal crash that claimed the life of eighth-grader Savanah Gatchell.)
Superintendent John Robidoux
What was your favorite part of summer? Our recent administrator retreat was one favorite part of my summer. But spending time with my wife and our grandson last weekend was the best part so far.
Do you get nervous the night before the first day? Not really, after almost 30 years in education. I’m just excited to start the year!
Do you have any back-to-school rituals? I have no real rituals, just try to get a good night’s sleep.
What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to the district moving forward together!
What would you like parents to know about the new school year? Students and staff can get ready for the start of school by bringing positive energy and excitement!
Marblehead High Principal Michele Carlson
What was your favorite part of summer? I love spending time with my family and friends (especially my grandchildren). I also enjoyed having time to reflect, reset and start planning for the upcoming year.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? Absolutely! I think a little nervous energy is part of what makes the start of the school year special. I want everything to go well for the students and staff. The anticipation reinforces just how important this work is and how lucky I am to have the opportunity to do it.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? None really. I do try to get a good night’s sleep (although I usually toss and turn throughout the night in anticipation of the next day), and I start the morning with a big cup of iced coffee. I try to arrive early so I can be prepared for the day and be available to greet students and staff as they arrive at school.
What are you looking forward to this school year? I’m really looking forward to welcoming students and staff back into the building and feeling the energy that always fills the halls during those first few days. The building is so quiet over the summer, and I miss the energy in the building when school is in session. With every new school year comes the chance to reconnect, grow as a community and ensure that every student feels supported in reaching their academic goals and developing as individuals. I’m especially excited to keep moving forward with the work we’ve been doing around student voice, belonging and community engagement.
What else would you like parents to know? I want parents to know how much we value their partnership. We truly believe that when schools and families work together, students benefit the most. Communication, trust and shared goals are key, and we are here to support every student’s growth, both academically and socially. I also encourage parents to reach out with any questions they have.
Veterans School Principal Matt Lavangie
What was your favorite part of summer? Vacationing with my family in Aruba. We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed getting away as a family.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? I typically am not very nervous the night before the first day of school, but I have a feeling that this year may be different as I step into my new role.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? Going out for ice cream with my family the night before. It is always a nice way to mark the end of summer vacation.
What are you most looking forward to this school year? I’m looking forward to starting my new role as principal of Marblehead Veterans Middle School. I’m excited to meet all the students and families at MVMS, as well as getting to know the community of Marblehead.
What would you like parents to know? We’re excited to have their students as part of the MVMS community. Staff and administration want all students to feel welcomed, supported and that they have a voice.
Glover School Principal Frank Kowalski
What was your favorite part of summer? The summer always gives me time to reflect, but most importantly, it allows me to wear my summer wardrobe to Glover, enjoy time around my yard and officiate many softball games. It is equally important for me to reconnect with Dawn and Lauren to explore ways to develop our relationship further, enabling us to better serve our students, teachers and the best community in Marblehead (the Glover community).
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? Each school year brings the internal butterflies and sleepless nights. I love it, as anxiety always brings excitement and the always lovely “unknown.” But knowing this is year two for me and we amazingly had low turnover… we can continue to build and challenge each other.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? My favorite back-to-school ritual is getting up earlier and seeing the sunrise with a big cup of coffee. I will be coming to Marblehead early, as I have found this day always to be a complete blur. But when the dust settles, I want it to be the best day for the students and all of the adults (parents/staff).
What are you most looking forward to this school year? I love to focus on building positive anticipation and creating a sense of excitement.
What’s new at Glover? This summer at Glover has been busy, hectic and hot. I enjoy surprises, so I am hesitant to brag about the “new,” so I will hold off as timeliness and projects occasionally hit snags.
What would you like parents to know? It’s almost game time! The Glover staff will be eager to welcome all of our students back. We are excited to see, yes, our parents again. Enjoy the last week of summer and look out for my first newsletter towards the end of the month.
Brown School Principal Mary Maxwell
What are you looking forward to this school year? So many things! I am very much looking forward to working together with the Brown School staff and PTO again! They are a phenomenal group of parents and educators who have worked hard to become the Brown School school of teachers and learners.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? More excitement than jitters, but yes, the running checklist in my brain is working overtime to make sure everything is in place for teachers, staff, kids and families on the first day.
What was your favorite part of summer? At work: Planning, organizing, setting year-long goals with benchmarks for progress, figuring out how we can continue to move forward, and finding inspiration with colleagues in the education field… I LOVE summer work!
Outside of work: I love all the summer things! Longer days, going out for ice cream, sitting by the shore, hiking, reading for pleasure, cookouts and spending time with family.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? When everyone has left for the night and the building is quiet, I like to walk through all of the classrooms and learning spaces.
What is new this year at Brown? We have some new science experiences for our students to explore in the classrooms. Our Leadership Council will continue to evolve in its second year with more community service opportunities. Our Friends of MPS grants include teacher training and parent night with Lynn Lyons, new soccer goals, new reading enrichment opportunities and a new outdoor creative playspace!
What else would you like parents to know? We are excited for another year of learning at the Brown School. We want your experience and children’s experiences to be joyful, positive and productive. We are here for you, and we want you as our partners. Admittedly, we don’t always get it perfectly right, but we will always continue to learn and do our best to help your children reach their fullest potential as kind, brave, hard-working learners.
Village School teacher (and co-president of the Marblehead Education Association) Jonathan Heller
What was your favorite part of summer? I direct a day camp on Captain’s Pond in Salem, New Hampshire, and this was my 25th summer. You really can’t beat being outside every day, working with incredible kids and staff. I get to look out at the pond from my office, and it’s hard to imagine a better daily view. One of the best parts this summer was having my youngest daughter at camp with me. We have a 75-minute drive each way, and she’s turned into quite the DJ, playing her favorite songs and setting the tone for each day.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? Yes, I still get those first-day-of-school nerves. No matter how many first days I’ve had, there’s always that mix of excitement and anticipation.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? I like to keep things simple leading up to the start of school. I stick to my usual routine, spend time with my family and try to get a good night of sleep so I’m ready for the year ahead. I don’t have a lucky outfit, but I do love wearing my Vineyard Vines clothes. I usually get a few new shirts for my birthday over the summer to start the school year off fresh. I’ll take out my iron to make sure everything is neat and ready for the first day.
What are you most looking forward to this school year? I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my colleagues and getting to know my new students. The start of the school year always brings a sense of renewal and possibility. I’m excited to create a positive, welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks, work hard and support one another. Building a strong team culture is really important to me, and I can’t wait to help each student feel like they are part of something meaningful.
What would you like parents and students to know? I want my students to come to school ready to give their personal best each day. I hope they challenge themselves, stay curious and understand that it’s absolutely OK to make mistakes and ask for help. That’s how learning happens. For parents, I want them to know that I’m here to support their children and that we’re all on the same team. Open communication and partnership go a long way in helping students thrive.
Village School teacher Mary Miles
What was your favorite part of summer? I paddleboarded all around Marblehead Harbor and Sand Dollar Cove. I love collecting shells and picking up and disposing of trash. It’s important to keep the harbor clean for our varied marine life.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? No, I used to, but now I feel excited for fall and a fresh year.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? I always choose my outfit the night before, and I read a nonfiction book every night. My favorite topics are anthropology, psychology and science.
What are you most looking forward to this school year? I have a brand new teaching partner fresh out of UMass-Amherst, where I also attended. She is super excited to start her career in Marblehead, a town she played against in lacrosse. I love her energy and enthusiasm and am excited for a new team.
What would you like your students and parents to know as everyone gets ready for school? Kids, start reading! It’s important to get your mind back into the habit and brush up on your reading skills if you’re lapsed over the summer. Abbot Library has a fresh new look and lots of exciting and current titles sure to catch your interest. Plus it’s air-conditioned. See you all on the first day!
Glover School teacher (and MEA co-president) Sally Shevory
What was your favorite part of summer? My favorite part of summer is the sense of peace and freedom it brings. I love watching sunsets — those quiet moments when the sky glows and everything feels calm. Spending time with my family makes it even better, whether we’re laughing over dinner or just enjoying each other’s company. Being out on my boat is the ultimate escape, where the water, fresh air and open horizon make the world feel wide and simple. Most of all, I enjoy unplugging from all the noise and drama of town life, letting go of stress and reconnecting with what really matters.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day of school? Even after 50-plus years, the night before school starts still brings that same mix of excitement and nerves. There’s a feeling that anything can happen, that a fresh start is just hours away. It’s not just about sharpened pencils or new schedules; it’s the quiet buzz of possibility, of stories waiting to unfold. No matter how many first days have come and gone, that sense of anticipation never really fades. It’s a reminder that change is always just around the corner, and there’s still something special about a new beginning.
Do you have any back-to-school rituals? My before-school ritual has really become quite boring now that I’m an empty nester. These days, it’s just me — laying out one outfit, packing my own bag and thinking only about my own day. I never realized how much I’d miss the chaos of getting my four sons ready for that first day. I used to pack special lunches, line up their outfits, triple-check backpacks and curse that long school supply list. It felt hectic at the time, but now I look back and miss that rush more than I ever expected. Who would’ve thought I’d actually miss scrambling to find the right colored folders or finding the just right pencil box?
What are you most looking forward to this school year? What I most look forward to in the school year is giving students the chance to discover just how much they have to offer this world. Each child walks into the classroom with unique strengths, ideas and potential — and my goal is to help them see it for themselves. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a student light up when they realize they’re capable, valued and important. I look forward to helping every child find their own version of success, whatever that may look like for them.
MHS English teacher Jenn Billings
What was your favorite part of summer? I got the chance to travel to Normandy, France, as well as Crested Butte, Colorado, Newport, Rhode Island, Mere Point, Maine, and Fire Island. Super lucky!
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? Of course! Inside every teacher lives a student on the first day of school.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? My ritual includes walking to school instead of driving — starting the day outside is the best antidote for any worries. Nature never disappoints.
What are you most looking forward to this school year? As someone who teaches all grades — I love seeing my former students when they come through the halls. Plus, I’m eager to help my freshmen who might need assurance that they will find a friend at lunch and figure out the stairwells.
What would you like your students and parents to know as everyone gets ready for school? Know that your teachers work really hard to create a place where it feels good to be a learner.
MHS English and drama teacher Ashley Skeffington
What was your favorite part of summer? Having downtime to spend with friends and family, going to the beach with my mom, directing Shakespeare in the park, reading for fun and painting with watercolors.
Do you still get nervous the night before the first day? Absolutely.
What back-to-school rituals do you have? I usually get up early on the first day of school and go get breakfast.
What are you most looking forward to this school year? Getting back to rehearsals for Drama Fest and the musical!
What would you like your students and parents to know as everyone gets ready for school? Life is too short for ChatGPT. Read the books!
