MIA: Summer!

[Miss Mary]

MIA: Summer!

Or rather, Summer as it used to be. I can remember having nearly 3 full months to swim, hang out with friends, go camping, get your dairy queen fixes, etc. Now all that's left is one good month, at best! June's booked with church camp's/religion programs, school's often in session still. From August 1 until the start of school, it's all school-prep requirements (mandatory music camps, sports, etc.). That leaves just July!

My girls start school tomorrow, August 21. They got out June 7. No one, I repeat no one (teachers, Administrators, parents, students) is ready to go back. The school sec'y was at school last night until almost 8. I said hello and she said there is so much to do yet. I said it's too early! She said everyone agrees on that. My girls usually don't go back until late August. Gone are the days of the day after Labor Day start backs. I'm not asking for that! I'd just like more than one good month with my kids - to really bond again and relax.

Thanks for letting me vent. I know it could be far worse - year round schooling. It just seems summer break is getting shorter and shorter. Area pools are feeling it - one facility, Coney Island (rides, water slides, huge pool) is taking a loss this year. First time ever.

[Guest]

Well its been like that here in Texas for several years Miss Mary. That's where you decide what's important - activites to keep them busy or doing things so you can bond with your kids. I sent my daughter to one camp this year - she wanted to do like 4 different things. Made the decision and told her "no" - and we had more quality family time. To me family is more important then all the other things you listed.

I see the benefits of going back early also - she doesn't forget what she was taught last year. She's been back in school since Monday and her teacher says she is doing great in bring over her skills from one grade to the next.

Just my two cents.

[Miss Mary]

I agree with the one-camp rule. But in our case the church 2 week program was required. Same with the 1 week music camp that just wrapped up. We have one final committment there - 7 p.m. concert tonight. I don't book my kids up and they prefer it that way. They don't even join swim or dive teams (what a schedule they are!). And I guess what I'm saying is I still feel cheated!!! We're all so sad today, we're not ready to let go of summer. Some of what I posted was tongue-in-cheek. Not meant to be taken so seriously.

[Colin]

I don't start until September 2nd...which is usually when we go back, but I agree...summer vacation seems to be getting shorter and shorter. It feels like it started yesterday... The days are quickly approaching that I have to get up at 5:30 AM!

[pojo]

If anyone finds where Summer went...could you please let me know!

Labor Day rule was just instated this year....all Neenah, Menasha and Appleton schools must start after Labor Day.

Marquette University in Milwaukee starts Monday Aug 25th....Milwaukee School of Engineering starts Sept 9th! (My summer internship colleagues go to these schools). UW-Green Bay starts Sept 2nd.

[Miss Mary]

Well Shannon - that's it, I'm moving to Wisconsin!!! You have that great recycling program going that I admired so much and now school starts back after Labor Day in some areas. Now that's my kind of school district.

Today is the first day back here in my area, and wouldn't you know it, it's in the low 90s and heat index is somewhere around 100. One of my girls school doesn't have A/C and one full wall of windows that's 2 stories tall, 20 or so classrooms, that all fast west. She said that side of the building just roasts. I can believe it. She'll be wilted when she walks in.

[pojo]

Mary, this is the first year that the school districts installed the Labor Day rule....When I was in school in the Menasha Joint School District, we started on the Thursday before Labor Day.....2 days of school and then a 3 day weekend! All I say....those 2 days of school are useless!

[Guest]

Well here the kids go back on Monday..............In DE and coastal MD they still go back the day after labor day which is what i think it should be everywhere...........................Eitherway i doubt the day will ever come that kids go back before then at the coast seeing how the tourist indusrty relies so heavly on them during the peak months.....................Was mentioned one time and a uproar soon erupted so like i said i probably doubt it will ever change..................

[azskyman]

Mary....come to Phoenix and you can take your pick. Some schools started last week. Some next week. Some after Labor Day. Some even go in the summer and have lengthier breaks at other times. Depends on which "burb" or part of town you live in.

We have a grade school across the street and behind our house. They have already been in session a few days according to the sign in the front of the building.

As we get older, we bond with our "kids" not in the summer...but at other times that just "happen."

Laughed so hard with Jarrod today. Was called back for a second interview with Fed Ex so he had to come up with a "masked" reason for taking time off from work.

20 minutes before he was to go to the "doctor," they announced over the PA system and via internal e-mail that he had just won employee of the month!!! On his way out the door...people were congratulating him on a nice job.

He called me, we laughed, and he shared the mixed blessing with his dad. Those moments are special when they show up...and you have to enjoy them when they pop up.

Enjoy your beautiful girls all you can, Mary. I know you know they are blessings...as are the days we given to share with them.