I hope you will pardon the expression, but things are really heating up at schools all over the state! Here in our own town, teachers are walking around with glazed over eyes and muttering, “My classroom isn’t ready….where are my books…the first day is when?!” As a former BHS band student I look on the high school band’s practices with empathy. My oldest son, a high school student, says about his two-a-days, “Mom, it’s really hot out there. And hard work. And really hot…very hot.” Students, teachers, coaches, and administrators are all busily at work gearing up for the 2010-2011 school year. This is our last chance to clean things up – hang out the wash, so to speak – before classes begin.

Yes, it is that time again! Everywhere you go around town you will see back to school sales, school supply lists, and the excitement is palpable in the air! Students are gearing up for another year – older and closer to adulthood. New clothes, new school supplies, new friends and old friends are bonuses in the frenzy to prepare for the start of a new school year. Parents, on the other hand, are counting down to the days when they can see their kids off with a smile and a wave and a sigh of relief.  Summer is nearly over.

I admit to never quite getting over that expectation and optimism about the beginning of a new year. I have always loved the smell of books, the feel of new binders, opening the packages of pencils and pens and wondering what I will write with them. Could it be the next great American novel? An essay so profound that world peace is finally achieved? More importantly….will I make good grades? Yes, I was always one of those for whom the bottom line mattered!

Wow. It is hot.  Here we are in the middle of June and already the weather man has said we’ve seen 100 degree temperatures.  You know what that means for parents:  higher electric bills and harder work keeping the kids occupied.  I don’t know about you, but by the time afternoon rolls around and the temperature peaks – the last thing I want is to be outside.  The kids feel the same way!  So, what to do?

Well, as I pondered this question, my husband came up with a great idea for the morning.  Each morning we go outside, run the dogs, and work in the yard. The kids are out there with us – pulling weeds, cutting grass, picking up the trash people drop as they go down the street.  Our yard is blessed with a huge tree and in the mornings the shade is lovely and the breeze is pleasant.  By 11:00, however, the heat is kicking in, the kids are hungry, and we enter our house seeking cooler temperatures.  (At this point, I find myself thinking back to my childhood and no air conditioners in the house – box fans and open windows!   Ah…good times!)

The other day I was visiting with my aunt and the topic of this column came up. I mentioned that I was planning to do a series of columns with ideas for things to do with kids over the summer. She quipped, “Does it involve duct tape and rope?” I admit to laughing, but it did give me an idea. No, don’t worry – my children are not currently wrapped in tape, but I did do some searching.

If you are looking for some things to do with the kids to help while away the hours, I found a great website that has all kinds of fun ideas! Of course, many crafts include string, duct tape, yarn, and so on. I was very excited to see duct tape purses, wallets, and even flip-flops! Kids can make a duct tape tie for father’s day this weekend! Wouldn’t dad just love to wear that tie!

So…what to do? I will share with you some of the things I have found that help while away the summer hours.

Over the years, we have taken our own children to various places all over the state and visited all kinds of historical places. Being one who finds history and the people from history fascinating, I seek ways to share our state and country history with my family. Luckily, we don’t always have to travel!

Today was so bittersweet for me. I had the opportunity to present some awards to many of my students. I got to brag on how great they are. We had a talent show and true to form my kids demonstrated a wide range of abilities – and all with good humor and affection. So where does the bitter part of that sweet come in? You see, tomorrow I have to tell my kids goodbye.

I have had an incredible journey with these kids. Every year I find myself looking back at all the moments – and this year is no exception. I remember the funny moments, such as the young lady who stole the show with her creative dance during a group presentation. I remember the frustrating moments, such as when students said to me, “Test? What test? We have a test?” The proud moments surface, like when one of our GT robotics teams made it to state competition in spite of many obstacles. I remember the hysterical laughter at silly jokes as we drove down the road to Seguin. But most of all, I remember the hugs and high fives. I remember the thoughtfulness and the humor. I remember the affection and friendship and love.

All I can say is thank Heaven for involved parents! Everyone involved in education recognizes the importance of parents who are concerned and involved with their child’s education. While we know teachers, aides, and administrators are important and valuable people – it is the parents that make all the difference in the world! We are really fortunate to have some pretty amazing parents involved in their children’s education.

Through the years, we have done things for which we needed help from the parents. For example, we have a fiesta each year, Christmas celebrations, and Extreme Interests. Each year, our parents come through for us and make our lives so much easier and make their kids so proud! One time, a mom showed up at our party with several pizzas and then stayed to help. For our fiesta, our parents always come through with all sorts of dishes and paper goods for the celebration. Just a little secret…the fiesta is one of our favorite events!

We took our GT students to Abilene today to visit the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and have lunch at Gatti’s. The museum was quite an experience and one I recommend if you like to see the art found in children’s literature. This particular exhibit had some rather interesting pieces. I enjoyed watching them find the odd things in the paintings and discuss what the meanings could be. I admit to laughing a little when one of the students, after examining one painting, turned to me and said, “Mrs. Moore, that’s just disturbing.”

After the tour ended, we visited the gift shop and then left the museum. Spying the fountain across the street, we made our way there. Our journey took the kids to a statue which is based on the book, “Santa Callls” and they all immediately had to pose for pictures. We continued on to the fountain where the kids stood with faces raised to the warm sun, arms spread, and feeling the spray of the water as the wind blew.