This school year will mark the first time Richmond Public Schools implements a “staggered”

start to the school year. 

When I heard about this, I thought about my first days of school after three months of summer vacation. If you had seen me or my peers struggling to get to the bus stop on a warm September morning, the word “stagger” might have come to mind. Our pace to the classrooms during that first week wasn’t much better — slow and heavy, like a prisoner on his final walk, weighed down by uncertainty and loss.

Modern teachers have referred to the time before school restarts as a “summer slide,” for some students whose academic skills and knowledge decline while they’re away from classroom instruction. Back when I was in school, that term didn’t exist, but I can relate.

It took a while to let go of the freedom of lazy mornings, late nights and no homework but, eventually, we all adjusted. You can only hold onto summer for so long. After a few weeks, the routine of taking notes, paying attention in class and tackling homework “slides” into place.

This staggered start offers a chance for Richmond students to ease into the school year. Instead of everyone rushing back at once, the new system gives transition grades — like incoming kindergartners or freshmen — a softer landing. When you’re the new kid on the block, it helps to get your bearings early.

Feeling comfortable in your surroundings can make you more receptive to learning. During that first week, knowing where the bathroom is can feel more important than finding the square root of anything.

“This extra day gives our new middle and high school students the chance to get acclimated, meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and build connections in a more focused and welcoming setting,” said Latonya Waller, Middle School Principal Director for RPS. “It’s a simple yet impactful change.”

Middle school has changed a lot since I wandered the halls of what is now Bell Creek Middle School with a Sony Walkman knock-off stashed in my backpack. I think the level of noise and distractions might have increased since then. The emotional turbulence today’s generation faces — especially with the prevalence of social media — makes going to school even harder. This new approach to the school year has the potential to help.

If all goes well, this year’s students may start out “staggering,” but they’ll find their footing— and be ready for whatever comes next.