I want to give a shout out and thank you to our community friends that showed up in force as we prepare to welcome our students back for a new school year on Monday, August 28.

Over the past two weeks, I have watched with an inspired and grateful heart as countless folks in Rowan County arrived at our schools to pull weeds, freshen up landscapes, brighten up courtyards and attend our annual back to school conference to welcome back our Rowan-Salisbury teachers.

Many organizations worked voluntarily to gather school supplies, provide children with new tennis shoes and clothes, and enthusiastically offer their time to help us wherever and whenever needed.

As I stood in line at a local retail store, many teachers were purchasing supplies so they could scurry off and put up new bulletin boards to welcome their students back to school. It makes me smile to see the families and friends of teachers rolling up their sleeves to help make this happen.

I attended a recent prayer service that brought me to tears with the love, commitment and support that so many remarkable people have for wanting the very best for our children. Our schools truly belong to each and every one of us.

There is an overall excitement in the air! Whatever you did to help us get ready to welcome back our students, thank you!!!

— Lynn Moody

Lynn Moody is superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools.