Summer is slowly coming to an end.  Where did it go? Although I hate to think of summer ending, I have to admit I am tired of grumbling about the heat, having to water my plants daily and pulling off the dead blossoms. I am personally looking forward to autumn and football.

Can you believe that school starts in just a few days? ,When I was a kid we did not start school until after Labor Day, which is considered “the final hurrah of summer.”

Have you noticed that the stores are getting into full swing with back-to-school items on sale?  Students and parents are making plans for back-to-school swim parties or last-minute vacations. Churches are hosting get-to-gethers for their youth and appreciation luncheons for the public educators as they get ready to kick off the new school year.

The football fields are dominated by high school football team players as they practice under the direction of their coaches, band members are working on their season’s half-time shows and cheerleaders are perfecting their stunts for the first pep-rally and game. Photographers are busy taking pictures for the athletic and band programs. Concession stands and school press boxes are being cleaned and repaired and PA systems and stadium lights are being checked for another exciting year of sports and band competitions.

Teachers, administrators and staff are working diligently to get schools ready for the first day.  During the summer many educators have attended workshops to learn new ideas for classroom instruction or working on higher degrees. Before school doors are opened, in-service meetings are held for all public educators, as well as orientation for new teachers, administrators and staffs.

Preparing for a new school year can be a little unnerving for parents and students. In addition to parents getting everything ready for their child’s first day of school, they are encouraged to attend the orientation or back-to-school night scheduled at their child’s school.  It is important to meet their child’s teacher, learn what is planned for this school year and to receive their school schedule.

Soon, the yellow buses will start rolling down the streets filled with children wearing blue jeans and T-shirts. The stores are already filled with Halloween decorations, and before we know it, it will be Christmas.

But keep in mind, there are still 33 days of summer before Labor Day, so those who still want to enjoy the pool, lake or any other summer fun can do so after school and on weekends!