School Starts

Much space in this newspaper today is dedicated to the first day of school for children in Jasper County. It’s a scene that could be mimicked across the state, and indeed across the nation at this time of year. Some went back a little sooner; other areas start later, but the ending of summer definitely denotes the return to classes.

My four-year-old granddaughter, Melody, began pre-K this year. It was a tough decision for her parents, I think, because it represents her growing up maybe a little more than they were ready for. She has been going to pre-school mornings at Monticello Baptist church since she was two. And, the church offers a four-year-old program, so it was tough to decide between all-day school and half-day preschool

Of course, all-day school still gets out a little after 2 p.m, which is still challenging for working parents. And, she is entirely too little to ride a school bus (at least in my and her parents; opinion, I’m sure).

But starting school doesn’t just apply to little children. College students are beginning school, at least some places, this week. Georgia College & State University sent an announcement saying students will move in over two days this year which was to be Wednesday and Thursday this week. And, in between those pre-schoolers and college students are all the others. Some look forward to school starting back, whereas others dread it.

I remember my children looking oh so dapper as they returned to school each year. They were anxious to see friends and learn about new teachers. Most of the time, it was a very positive experience.

My children rode the bus some years, but I was privileged to be able to transport them myself much of the time. I’ve told lots of parents that I learned more in that five minutes in the car on the way home than I ever learned after I got home from work.

I remember those days well. The girls would get in the car, bubbling over with talk of the day. I would strain to listen, especially if they had a friend with them, without necessarily letting on that I was paying attention. You know, if Mom pipes up, they might pipe down. I didn’t want that to happen.

I admire the teachers. I’m sure their first day are similar. What will the class look like, will they be eager to learn. How do I reach the ones who are not? It’s tough, I’m sure.

I remember one day waiting to meet with a teacher during conference days. Another mother I didn’t know was becoming impatient. I encouraged her to wait; it would be worth it. You want the teacher to know you care about your child, I said. The other mother indignantly assured me the teacher knew.

I’m sure they know we all care in our own way. But we don’t always encourage the teachers the way we should.

I was lucky; both of my children were pretty good students. Behaved most of the time, and did their work as instructed. Every parent is not so lucky.And the teachers are challenged to teach them all. God bless the teachers is all I can say; they need it, for all our little darlings.