Back to school…what?

It is that time of year again. It seems to come earlier and earlier every year, and our summers get shorter and shorter. It is time for the awesome employees of school districts across the nation to go back to their classrooms, buses, custodial carts and offices. Summer has come and summer has gone (it may be hidden behind the smoke), but nonetheless the school bell has rung.

The floors are shiny, the buses are running with a purr, everything is organized, and curriculum is ready to be taught. Old teachers are sliding back into their comfortable desk chairs and new teachers are sitting in theirs, wide eyed and waiting. There are new faces in the area, not only in the staff of LR but some come to us as students, as well. Some with the same look on their faces as a new teacher.

The kids. From preschool to high school, all the sales have been hit — new shoes, new clothes, school supplies and backpacks. Haircuts, hair extensions and hair raising of parents are all ready to be debuted on the first day. Anxiety, joy and pride all mixed in a little package and posing for a selfie on the front porch. Oh, the glamour of the first day of school.

Then there are the college kids. The mature ones. I think of Rylee Pitner and her first day of WSU (wait a second, I might get sick). The excitement of filling her dream. Since the first day of kindergarten, she knew; she knew she would be a Cougar. There is also Khani Priest and her dream. Her dream is at UW (Go Dawgs) and she starts fulfilling her medical adventure. All the college kids stepping out onto a campus with their whole lives ahead of them.

There is one more group to speak of on the days when school opens its doors again and the little cherubs enter the halls. It is the group that thinks summer was way too long already. The parents. They may now return to their nice little silent home. They may finally get all the messes cleaned up. They may take a nap, do a hobby, enjoy what they like on TV or radio. The sound of silence in their homes. But don’t worry, 3:00 comes soon enough.

A toast to back to school. May your first day back be filled with smiles, memories and enthusiasm. Or cool shoes, perfect classes and teachers teaching. Or college colors, new friends and challenges. Or rest, time and pride. However you spend the first day back to education, may it be filled with positive thoughts and a mind ready to receive.

Welcome back, everyone! I’m Jess Saying.