Back to School – The School Year is Upon Us
Well, summer has been grand but my first day back at work was Friday, 7/26, and students return on Thursday this coming week. Yes, I live in the South, and we start school around August 1 now. I know in the Northern states they still go back after Labor Day but nope, down here we’ve whittled the date back to this first week of August nonsense. Would I like it to be later? Heck yes, of course I would.
I remember when I was a child starting school much later. The date for start of school has been marched back until we are landing on August 1 as the start of school for most districts in the area.
Back to School is a BUSY TIME
I teach middle school, and have a high school aged student of my own. It goes without saying that the days leading up to the start of the new school year is an incredibly busy time. Lots of things to buy, to get organized and to prepare for. However, older students need fewer supplies than younger students. We are down to the bare basics now that he’s in high school. Being well beyond elementary school age, I can reflect from an objective place. Believe me, I do not miss the back to school circus families with elementary age children have to go through. And the cost! It’s sort of ridiculous.
School checklists oh my
The endless supply lists, the uniforms, the classroom supplies for teachers both classroom and specials, it can all get a little overwhelming for elementary age students. And yes it’s very, very expensive. If you’re brave, I dare you to peek into the Back to School section of most big-box stores like Target or Walmart. These days you will probably see all of the following: You’ll see harried parents trying to stay within their dwindling budget and get all the things they “need” for school. Next to them you will find students searching for the perfect supplies with a mix of excitement and dread on their faces. All around will be shelves completely out of order from the hordes of parents and students rifling through them and you’ll likely see loads of school provided lists piled everywhere for all the various schools in the area.
Expensive doesn’t quite describe it
Parents, believe me, I get it. Money isn’t spreading as far these days and it’s more important than ever to choose wisely with your purchasing decisions. Amazon has a ton of low-cost options for back to school. If I were still needing to buy a ton of things for an elementary aged student I would for sure go there first to find deals before I piled in the car to go to a local store.
As a teacher, I am nearly ready for the school year. This weekend I’ve been tackling my required training and getting as much relaxation time as I can. Before I know it, it will be nose to the ground and full tilt madness until Labor Day, our first break. The school year is exhausting and I’m savoring my last minutes of relaxing time.
Best of luck out there, whether you are a parent shopping for back to school things, a teacher preparing for the coming school year, or are a student both looking forward to and dreading the return to academics. You can do it!
