Hundreds of Fayette County students gathered at their schools for the first day Aug. 5, but they noticed something different in the car rider line and bus loop – they were greeted with new smiling faces and signs full of encouraging words.

Amy Henley, the school system’s Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) coordinator, wanted students to start the school year on a positive note, so she decided to create a welcoming committee to greet students as they entered into their schools. The welcoming committee consisted of county office staff from various departments.

“My hope was to spread positive messages to our students and staff on the first day of school,” Henley said.

Each member of the welcoming committee was given several signs that expressed positive messages like, “You Matter,” “Be Brave,” “Be Kind,” “Believe in Yourself,” etc.

These signs were waved by smiling county office staff members at every school’s car rider line, bus loop, or lobby entrance.

While the first day of school can be very intimidating for some, the smiling faces of the welcoming committee helped ease any anxieties. From high-fives to thumbs up, students walked into the new school year with a positive attitude. — from the Fayette County School System