Getting Back in the Swing of Things Returning to School from an Awesome Summer

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

Returning to School from an Awesome Summer

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

It’s that time of year again! The sun begins to turn that hazy-red hue, and the air becomes thick as the end of summer nears. Parents and children scramble for classroom supplies as lists are handed out informing us of what may be needed throughout the term. Last-minute shopping for clothing and backpacks fills stores throughout the Tri-State area while parents try to choose the right match for their loved ones. Vacations and last-minute outings are scheduled, and families grasp at what remains of the sweet, warm summer they have been enjoying. Within only a few days, we will see school buses and family vehicles lined up throughout our communities as children pack in for their first day of school after their summer breaks.

Where does the time go? Summer never seems to last long enough, supplying freedom from the long days behind desks with noses pressed into books and computer screens. Long nights of playing and hanging out with friends immediately stop, leaving us with an entirely different schedule from what we had become accustomed to. I personally remember the hardest day of the year always being the first day of school, no matter how excited I was to start back after vacation. My sleep schedule was messed up, and there was never enough time to get ready in the mornings. The same goes for everyone as, each year, we slowly get back to the daily routine of waking up early, finding what we need, getting out the door, and making our way to school. Once we get there, we struggle through the first few days or even weeks as we yawn and stretch ourselves awake from our summer slumbers. With a little preparation, we may be able to jump back into school this year with ease.

Waking up for school each morning could be made much easier if we went to bed just a little earlier. As hard as it may be, simply listening to our parents and family about being ready for school could make the transition into the new year a lot easier. The first day back could be full of energy and excitement instead of dragging on, providing everyone with the ability to take in the new scene and greet all the new smiling faces. Getting to sleep may not be that easy for some, which is where a good exercise routine may come in handy. A few weeks before school starts, maybe going for a run every couple of days or hitting the gym could help us become tired enough to fall asleep more easily. Some of us may find that calming the mind and freeing ourselves from the daily grind for a bit could help regulate our schedules. Embracing the new school term before it arrives will take us a lot further.

Morning routines are crucial to being successful in the world, not only in school but also at work and in every other facet of our lives. Waking up early enough to adjust to being awake while still having time to clean up, eat, stretch, and settle our minds is a practice that takes us just a bit further. Organization is also greatly beneficial for adjusting to a new school calendar, especially when we may be spending our summers free from restraint and the rigid organization of daily school activities. Summer doesn’t last forever, and it is always good to have everything we need when the time comes to use those items. Having our clothing picked out in advance, our books, supplies, and other items tucked away and ready to go, and a plan for the morning can make each day much better. Each morning could be bright and wonderful if we decide for it to be.

Schedules are the hardest to adjust to when we don’t keep track of them. The first day of school is different everywhere, as each district abides by its own routines, making them unique and wonderful in their own ways. This year, Boyd County Schools will be starting back on Wednesday, Aug. 26; Ashland begins on Wednesday, Aug. 12; Fairview Independent will begin on Thursday, Aug. 8; and Greenup County Schools will start back on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Planning ahead means working together and communicating. Keeping in contact with friends may help us gather what we need and prepare for another year. Let’s make this school year one to remember by making it easier for ourselves and everyone we care for. Good luck this year!