Back To School Blahs? Or A Happy End To A Bummer Summer?

As backpacks get filled up and schedules are set, Saline families are ready to get back to school. 

Or are they? 

There seems to be cluster of emotions for folks that range from wishing the school year had already started, to separation anxiety and tears.

For parents, there is so much to keep track of during the school year, that it is like taking on a whole other job. There are grades to keep track of, projects that need materials, carpools and sports and volunteering. 

At the same time, however, there is a sort of bliss that comes with a hot, steaming cup of coffee after the school bus pulls away and the house is quiet. 

Terri Sibo demonstrates this feeling perfectly.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” she said. 

Forget Christmas in July, some parents will hum the tune proudly on Sept. 6.

Sibo is a busy mom with two kids who have social calendars and packed sports schedules. As busy as fall will be for her family, it will be nice to take in the quiet moments and bits of free time that come with kids back in school.

Sibo is not alone. 

One Saline mom said, “I was ready a month ago!” 

For working parents, the school year is a break from trying to find the perfect childcare, knowing the schools have kids covered. Some moms just want their girl-time back, whether it is chatting up a cup of coffee or starting their new group walk around town.

Other parents talk about how the time is flying by too quickly, or is already gone. 

Pam Molascon misses it. 

“I always loved having my kids at home,” she said. “I miss the excitement of finding out who their teachers were, getting their school supplies. Summers were always so much fun.”

Heidi McClelland agrees to a point. She’s got kids in first, third and fourth grades. 

“I am hoping all my kids have a great school year filled with lots of learning and growth,” she said. “But at the same time, that means they are growing up way too quick!”

Students’ attitudes are fairly predictable. The younger ones are nervous and excited, especially if heading into a new building. Fourth grade in Saline means kids are getting lockers for the very first time, and that is a very big deal. Some students have already taken the time to decorate lockers during last week’s walk-throughs with mirrors, clocks, pencil holders, clips and more. 

McKayla Ducca can’t wait. 

“She is so excited about Mr. Harrison and decorating her locker,” said her mom, Dawn Ducca.  

Ducca is the president of the PTA this year at Pleasant Ridge. For Ducca, the school brings a bit of peace and quiet, but a lot longer to-do list.

“I am looking forward to the new school year, and always worried about budgets,” she said.

The school budget, that is, which came up quite a bit as parents talked about the upcoming school year. 

When it comes to older kids, middle schoolers sometimes worry more about the social scene than they do classes, teachers and homework.  At the high school, kids are excited about all of the hustle and bustle of friends and activities, and much less about getting up early and taking on a full schedule.

With so much activity, the school year will fly by. Before we know it there will be more conversations about how nice it will be to take a break, to have the kids home, to sleep in and relax for next summer.