For me, January 1 can’t hold a candle to THIS “new year”. I’ve celebrated 35 years of school starting, of watching students come pouring into the school building wearing their shiny new shoes, and clutching their school supplies. Whether it’s kindergarteners whose backpacks are almost as big as they are, or seniors walking in for their last first day, it’s a feast for the eyes. Faces gleam with smiles, and some with tears. For me, it’s an experience worthy of fireworks and sparklers, even though those usually accompany the other New Year.