Put quite simply, a “tabula rasa” is a clean slate. I always love the start of a new year because it represents exactly that, a chance to start anew. Last year is in the past and what’s important now is the here and now and the undefined future that lies before us.

So you didn’t do as well as you wanted in your classes in 2015? Guess what? This year, you can study a bit more, try getting help at Lionstime or after school, and earn a spot on the Honor Roll. Maybe you regret not getting more involved last year? Well, this year you have an opportunity to do things differently. You can join FBLA or Fandemonium. You can try out for baseball or the Spring play. You can even start the club you talked about last year.

Think “tabula rasa” applies only to students? Nope, we adults can have a fresh start too. Teachers have an opportunity to tweak lesson plans for the second semester. Parents can reflect on what worked and what didn’t work in supporting/raising your kid last year and try a different approach for 2016. Administrators can start the year with a different mindset and attitude and try new initiatives.

2016 is a blank slate, whose story is unwritten, a blank canvas waiting for paint. What will you put on it? Tell us your plans in the comments below!