COMMENTARY: Making Every Day Matter In Bentonville Schools

"You matter. Students matter!"

That was the message that was delivered at our Back to School celebration by Angela Maiers.

Our staff loved hearing the message that empowered them to create, engage and care about all students. Our staff also loved hearing "students matter."

Across the district, the Bentonville school staff immediately created plans for the first day of school to generate a positive environment to build relationships, and simply let students know they mattered.

At our junior high schools, teachers and administrators enthusiastically welcomed students to school. Fulbright Junior High School placed a paw print with each student's name on the walls of the entry hallway and greeted them personally on their way into the building.

At Lincoln Junior High School, educators welcomed students and parents with signs and encouragement before they even stepped foot in the school. Washington Junior High School educators created a variety of novel ways to engage students and build relationships starting on day one.

Educators at Bentonville High School made students feel like they matter in every classroom.

Some teachers rolled out the red carpet, others began with collaborative projects and, on the third floor of the North Building, students were welcomed with bells and whistles -- literally.

I can't remember a beginning of the school year with a more positive tone.

Our elementary schools took the "you matter" message back to their buildings and began the year by engaging students in building relationships.

As I walked the hallways and followed social media, I saw more examples of students working with each other to build a learning community than I can ever remember during the first week of school.

Bentonville School District's vision statement is "Excellence with Every Step."

Our commitment to excellence requires more than hard work. Relationships are critical.

It requires us to focus on what matters -- relationships between parents, faculty, staff, community and, of course, with our students. Our commitment to "students matter" is not just a day one delivery.

Our staff is committed to making every day matter. I love this commitment, and I know this will lead to another great year in Bentonville schools.