Classes are back in session. After a summer of hot, humid and exhausting days, students, teachers and staff are back in the classrooms, ready for what we hope will be a productive and engaging school year.

And as our students return to the basics of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic, let’s not forget the important life lessons that will be learned in school, as well.

Robert Fulghum certainly didn’t. In 1988, he penned the best-seller “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” The popular book of essays reminds readers that the most basic – and many would argue some of the most important – life lessons are taught in kindergarten:

Lessons like how to share; how to listen; how to respect others; how to clean up your own mess; how to say you’re sorry, and when you should.

Fulghum also taught the basics of life: to flush, to wash your hands, to eat well, to do unto others …

And his wisdom rings true, even today.

Our schools, whether public or private, do more than simply teach the skills that students will need to for their future success in life. Through the interaction with others, each and every day, our young students are learning how to be better people. And that’s an important lesson.

One best learned, as the author reminds us, in kindergarten.

And if taught well, one that stays with us throughout life.

So here’s to the teachers and the students … and a year of learning.