It sure felt welcoming to walk into Bruriah Middle School on the first day of the new school year. The entire middle-school wing had been transformed for this year’s theme, Where Every1 Counts, with a large countdown displayed as a “kickoff to a great year.” After admiring the decor, the students davened and heard welcome speeches. The first day back to school included activities as well as an afternoon of regular classes. The students played a circle icebreaker game which included a getting to know you as a way to get to know the new students who have joined Bruriah Middle School this year. In line with the theme, the students were divided into groups for a cake decorating activity. Each group received a number and came up with an expression that connected to its number as well as the idea that everyone is important. The students then decorated their cakes connecting to their phrase. Some of the creative lines the students thought of are “We’re ‘four’tunate to be in middle school.” “Bruriah is a 10 out of 10!”A big surprise giveaway to each student was a T-shirt that sports the new middle school logo. Lockers were assigned and yeomans distributed, which rounded out a full morning of activity. After a full salad bar lunch, the afternoon flew by. What a memorable first day of school.