Aikin Elementary is starting the new school year with a little extra positive energy thanks to Principal Katie McKinney, who made it a priority to visit every classroom on campus and personally read The Energy Bus for Kids by Jon Gordon to students.

The children’s book shares a simple but powerful message about the impact of attitude, choices, and the energy we bring into the lives of others. Through the story of a young boy named George, students learn that while they cannot always control what happens during their day, they can choose how they respond to it.

For Mrs. McKinney, taking the time to read the book herself was about more than sharing a story. It was an opportunity to connect with every student at Aikin and establish a common message that students and staff can carry with them throughout the school year.

“I wanted our students to understand from the very beginning that they have the power to choose the energy they bring with them each day,” McKinney said. “We all have hard days and face challenges, but we can choose to encourage others, look for the good, and make a positive difference. I want our students to know that their attitude matters and that they each play an important role in making Aikin a great place to learn and grow.”

Throughout The Energy Bus for Kids, students are introduced to lessons about creating a positive vision, fueling their lives with positive energy, overcoming challenges, and sharing that positive energy with others.

Those lessons fit naturally with Paris ISD’s 2026–2027 theme, “Every Day Is A Great Day.” While every day may not go exactly as planned, students are learning that the choices they make and the energy they bring can help make each day a great one.

By personally taking the book from classroom to classroom, McKinney also had the opportunity to spend time with students of every grade level and reinforce that building a positive school culture is something everyone at Aikin can be part of.

At Aikin Elementary, the Energy Bus is rolling — and everyone is invited along for the ride.