School’s out for summer
The time of year nearly all kids wait on has arrived! While it’s not officially summer yet, to most kids summer’s here. In kids minds, summer starts with the last day of school. Remember back years ago waiting on the start of summer? Seemed like it would never arrive. Three months of leisure time and a chance to sleep in, no homework, after school programs, or any deadlines to meet. Just an enjoyable summer season filled with fun.
The last few weeks of May always signified the end of schools final semester. While that meant pressure surrounding finals and grades, it also meant that summer was getting closer.
The main worry in the weeks leading up to the last day of school was the threat of bad grades or character that could lead to summer school. Making sure all of your assignments were finished and you had passing grades usually guaranteed you would get your break. But the threat still lingered throughout the year, and in many cases was a deterrent to keep you straight and help you build character. No one wanted to spend their summer behind closed school doors under the watchful eye of a summer teacher who didn’t want to be there either.
Another year has gone by for area schools and kids are out on the ballfields, ready for the swimming pools, and spending time with friends. There out on the streets again and out playing, bike riding, staying up late, sleeping in, and getting ready for vacations, fairs and festivals.
Yes! Summer vacation is here again. Rock and Roll legend Alice Cooper sang a school kids favorite song. “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks.” “Another brick in the wall,” sang Pink Floyd. And “Vacation” by the Go-Go’s. Listen close as you hear the kids car stereo’s you might catch a verse of these summer favorites.
Summer is a great time to just relax, but, the down time or time away from all the responsibilities is not always good, it can also be a burden. Just hanging out and doing absolutely nothing can lead to trouble. To much idle time is not healthy.
It’s always best to have some supervision over the younger kids during the summer months and maybe encourage the older ones to start thinking about the future. There are all kinds of things to keep kids occupied. Speaking of volunteerism, every community has opportunities for kids to get involved. It might be a good thing for kids to start helping out instead of hanging out. It can be a rewarding experience, one that could carry over to their adult life.
Helping out is a good way to spend time and can lead to an education not found in the classroom. You will meet different people, who will help prepare you for activities that you can use as adults.
Even though we recognize how nice it is not to worry about academics, it’s also a time we should use for ourselves and to pursue our own interests.
Of course, the summer is a long break, and you should try to take advantage of the time. Use your time wisely, get plenty of rest, sleep in occasionally, take a vacation, maybe take a part time job for a little extra cash. The festivals are a great way to go out with friends, listen to some great music and just enjoy the vibes of summer.
There are plenty of easy, fun things to do, and plenty of time to do them. Stay safe, get recharged, and have a great summer.