It was inspiring to watch the Artemis II launch yesterday — @NASA’s first crewed mission around the moon since 1972. Our space program has always captured an essential part of what it means to reach beyond what we thought was possible, and I hope the four brave astronauts on this mission will inspire a new generation to follow in their footsteps.

In December of 1968, the world was fractured. War was raging overseas, influential leaders fell to the hands of assassins, cities wrestled with unrest, and division seemed to be defining us. However, on the 21st of December, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders, bravely climbed aboard Apollo 8 and departed from Earth’s atmospheric embrace. A mission reassigned with higher stakes and greater achievement, carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. For the first time, humans were venturing to another world, orbiting the Moon ten times in total. On Christmas Eve, they shared the book of Genesis with a billion souls watching, and Bill Anders snapped a photo that altered our perspective on life as we knew it forever: Earthrise. Our fragile blue marble rising above Luna’s barren horizon, a reminder that politics, borders, and anger dissolve when seen from afar. Apollo 8 didn’t heal every wound, but it gave us something bigger to admire: unity in wonder, proof that together we could indeed reach the impossible. One telegram perhaps said it best: “Thank you, Apollo 8. You saved 1968.” Now, here we stand in the year 2026. Our headlines echo old tensions: division at home, uncertainty abroad, a world that feels torn apart. But once again, we find ourselves on the eve of an extraordinary milestone. Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission to the Moon in more than half a century, stands poised and ready. As soon as tomorrow, four of the world’s finest: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, will strap in to the Space Launch System. The objective? Launch on a free-return trajectory, testing the Orion spacecraft that will one day carry us towards a permanent residence beyond our Earthly confines. Like Apollo 8, Artemis II isn’t about escaping our problems and differences—it’s about transcending them. When this crew of four looks back to see the disc of Earth, minuscule against the void, they will carry the same message: We are one fragile, beautiful world. Our differences fade in the light of shared purpose. Our commonalities far outweigh our differences. So let’s vividly remember what we are capable of when we dare to dream the impossible. In a time that is so thoroughly testing us, let Artemis II be our reminder: The stars are still there, patiently waiting. And so is a greater vision for humanity—one that unites, inspires, and looks forward with hope. Godspeed, Artemis II.

MINIONS, TONIGHT WE GO TO THE MOON!

TODAY! We leave Earth orbit again! Follow for the latest ARTEMIS II updates #ArtemisII #Moon #NASA #SLS #WeAreGoingBack

If you sent in your name to be included on @NASA's Artemis II mission around the Moon, it's now on an SD card safely stored inside Rise, the mission's official zero-G mascot!

The Artemis II astronauts placed a micro SD card carrying the names of 5.6 million people (who submitted them online between last September and March 27) inside Rise, their zero-gravity indicator, earlier today 🌎🌕🙂

T-4 DAYS and counting till Artemis II 📅Launch NET: April 1, 2026 🕘Launch Window: 6:24 PM – 8:24 PM ET Artemis II marks the return of crewed deep space exploration for the first time in over 50 years… and this time, we are going back together.

We’re going back to the moon.

We're getting chills! 🚀 ⬇️ 1968: The Apollo 8 vehicle rolls out for the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon ↘️ Today: Artemis II will return astronauts to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, and set the stage for a permanent presence on the Moon.

Wow. LETS GO!!!

We are just weeks away from Artemis II, where we will send astronauts around the Moon—farther than any crew has traveled before. The mission’s press kit is now available! Check it out: go.nasa.gov/4jGIlL4

We're entering a new era of exploration, and you're invited. Subscribe to our Curious Universe podcast for a weekly look inside Artemis II, bringing you special access to the people, places, and teamwork behind our return to the Moon: bit.ly/498S0qf

You've seen the rest, now come work with the best! We're looking for two teachers to join our team. Check out our website to see all the amazing things we offer at Rusk! #FlyHighEagles

Taking a step back from the classroom this year to be a stay at home mom. I’m loving our adventures and quiet moments at home. 💙

Effective teachers don't focus so much on rules, but more on relationships, routines, & expectations. If you focus mainly on rules, you will spend most of the year enforcing them. But if you focus on relationships, routines, & expectations, you rarely have to defer back to rules.

So proud of these two young ladies for all their hard work that lead them to the Texas Science and Engineering fair for the second year in a row! Congratulations to Mima for her FIRST PLACE WIN in her category!! 🏆

Honored to be the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year at @BCMbiotechRusk alongside our amazing art teacher, Ms. Prieto, who was our Beginning Teacher of the Year!

So grateful for the amazing front office staff at @BCMbiotechRusk for executing this surprise Babyshower for me! I felt the love by everyone from custodial staff, front office, teachers, and admin. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!