Watch a “First Day of School” video of Sloan and Beau

The calendar was still stuck on August this morning but that didn’t stop the kickoff of the 2026-27 school year. The first day of school arrived before the Labor Day weekend but I don’t know if Sloan and Beau knew any better…they were ready to rock and roll.

Beau and Sloan on the first day of school before leaving our house.

No surprise there. This is our family’s seventh year at St. Mary Catholic School so you would expect some familiarity with first day of school procedures.

Sloan and Beau are no strangers to the first day of school at St. Mary Catholic School (nor this display) but there is still nothing like it.

Then again, no matter how many times you have done it, the first day of school usually packs some butterflies. Sloan even admitted to some “first day jitters.”

Even though the kids are very comfortable at St. Mary, Sloan admitted she had some first day jitters this morning.

But I am happy to report that both Reser kids made it through day #1. Sloan had her fourth grade debut in Mrs. Shannon Pearson’s class and her close-knit classmates are ready for another year together. All children who finished last year’s third grade campaign are back plus two new students.

Sloan flashes me a smile on her first day of school as a fourth grader at St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane Valley).

Beau is now a first grader and his teacher this year is Mrs. Marcy Dodd. Although new as a teacher to St. Mary, our family is familiar with Mrs. Dodd as she was a St. Mary parent before her staff appointment. We are looking forward to Beau’s reading skills progressing and crossing our fingers that he finally learns the difference between his “left” and “right” this year.

My handsome little boy is a first grader this year in Mrs. Dodd’s class at St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane Valley).

We are once again blessed that Mr. Stephen Hart is back as principal. This will be his fourth year in charge as he continues to challenge all students, staff, and parents to journey toward sainthood. This year his goal is to go from effective to exceptional. I love an educator who aims high, especially one who does it in a devotedly Catholic fashion.

Mr. Hart was a good sport and posed for this photo as I exited the school this morning. Stephen Hart is an incredible principal and we are so happy to have him leading St. Mary Catholic School.

And a new wrinkle this year is that there is a new pastor overseeing the school. Fr. Curtis Siedel succeeded Fr. Jeff Lewis this summer. Known for his prowess when it comes to both administering and teaching at Catholic schools, I am excited to see how abundantly Fr. Seidel blesses the St. Mary School community.

We love this school! Please pray for a great 2026-27 school year for St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane Valley) and for all other schools.

Please pray for not just the students returning to St. Mary Catholic School but all students. May all young people find joy, opportunity, and Christ as they pursue their education. Don’t Blink.