Welcome back!

It is hard to believe that summer break is over for students, teachers and administrators throughout Georgia. We hope you all have enjoyed a time of rest and are gearing up for a great 2012-13.

Thanks to a wonderfully dedicated team of partners and supporters, more than 950 Arete Scholars are among the students returning to school this month. Scholars from all around our state - Atlanta to Albany, Clarkesville to Savannah - are enjoying educational opportunities at the school of their parents' choice.

Veteran educator and Arete Client Services Advocate James Greco shares his favorite back-to-school memories: "As a student, I always enjoyed this time of year. A new school year provided a fresh start and a new perspective on life. Strange as it sounds, I always liked the smell of freshly waxed floors and sharpened pencils. Now as an educator, I look forward to meeting new students, reconnecting with colleagues, and giving kids an opportunity to write a new chapter in their lives."

What is your favorite back-to-school memory? Send us a note and a first-day photo at balford@aretescholars.org and let us hear how students, parents and teachers are celebrating a new school year.