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It’s back to school time! It’s hard to find a bigger cluster of conflicting emotions than those at the beginning of a school year. There’s excitement on the one hand and also anxiety on the other. One thing is for sure: this time represents a chance for a fresh start for both students and teachers. Together, we will lay the foundation for another riveting school year with the mixed cement made of our experience, growth, and positivity. Hopefully as we get into a groove in September, everyone will be able to establish a balance between work routines and leisure.
Speaking of balance, the autumnal equinox occurs on September 23. We discussed the summer solstice in June, which is when we experience the longest day of the year. On the equinox, however, the day is evenly split between light and dark. You probably noticed that equinox sounds a lot like equal. Remember that when there is a summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere is having its winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) and vice versa. The nice thing about an equinox, though, is that both hemispheres are experiencing pretty much the exact same amount of day and night. Sounds pretty fair, doesn’t it?
September gets its name from the Latin word septem, which means seven. It used to be the seventh month on the calendar before the Julian calendar was established, at which point it was moved to the ninth month; however, the name did not change. These monthly misnomers continue for October, November, and December, the names of which are derived from the Latin words for eight, nine, and ten – even though they are the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months!
The gemstone for September is the sapphire. Sapphires are mostly thought of as having a deep blue color, but they also come in a wide range of colors, like pink, yellow, green, orange, purple, and even red. In fact, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are basically the same gemstone, but have different minerals embedded in them that give them different colors. Sapphires are associated with having wisdom and virtue.
The September flower is the forget-me-not. These flowers bloom in a cluster of bluish-purple petals with a bright yellow center and symbolize love and respect. Giving these flowers to someone means that you will keep them in your thoughts.
As we strive to establish a good classroom culture in September, let's approach it with the wisdom of the sapphire and the mutual respect of the forget-me-not.
September FAQ
How many days are in September?
There are 30 days in September.
How many school days are in September?
This will vary, as some districts have already returned to school before September started, while others won’t begin until after Labor Day in September. Some school districts also recognize Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and are closed for these Jewish holidays.
What are some month-long observances in September?
What are some major events in September?
What are some good lesson plans for September?
Here are over 3,700 lesson plans for September.
How can I motivate my students in September?
You might not have a better window of natural motivation for students than right now! The kids are at their freshest, most eager point, and you need to harness that spirit into a kind of positive fuel that can get you all the way through to the end of the school year. Ask yourself: what are the essential routines for my class? What are the values that we will return to when we inevitably have some bumps in the road ahead? It’s okay to take your time in establishing these early on.
Can I download and print this September classroom calendar for my students?
Yes, absolutely! Enjoy.
