In case you haven’t noticed, schools around town have been back in session for several weeks and parents everywhere are rejoicing. The boredom has ended, only to be replaced by the hectic schedules, homework and a never‑ending list of school   supplies to buy. Kids are trying to get back in the groove, only to be faced with record‑setting heat, which makes me wonder: Why not start back after Labor Day?

We may still be in the clutches of a wicked summer, but vacations have officially come to a screeching halt. Those little yellow school buses are making frequent stops, school zone crosswalks are filled with giggling (and sweating) kids, so it’s time to drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. Parents everywhere can be seen taking a collective sigh of relief, kids are happy to show off their new clothes and teachers brace themselves for another  busy year. School bells are ringing.

What’s up with all those oversized backpacks? I understand that schools no longer want the liability of lockers, but watching children stooped over as they struggle with these enormous packs can’t be good for their backs. Hey, we’ll have a generation of kids with spinal problems if we’re  not careful. This just isn’t natural–having kids place all that weight on their backs. Maybe we need to start getting some big baskets and training the kids to walk upright like the people in African villages who can balance 40 pounds on the tops of their heads (and walk five miles).

Have you ever had a request for a lunch box with a yellow dog on it? My six‑year‑old grandson, Brandon, is in first grade and has made a very specific request for his lunch box. Through the rows of Sponge Bob, Captain Jack, Spiderman and Power Rangers, we have yet to find the right one. That’s probably because there isn’t one lunch box made in the entire planet that has a yellow dog on it. Please, Dear Readers, if you know of one such box, give me a call.

For many children, this is the time of heartbreaks, triumphs and pinkeye. Some kids make the team and life is good, holding promise for better things to come. Other kids have tried and faced the rejection of not being on the list that is taped on the coach’s door letting the world know who made the cut and  who didn’t. Children will have  to deal with the coughs, sneezes, colds and inevitable pinkeye infections of their classmates. Hey, it’s not all fun and games ... school can be tough.

My friend’s teenage daughter woke up the first day of school and screamed when she looked in the mirror. Somehow, in the middle of the night, several “evil” pimples sprouted, causing a whole lot of drama and a near refusal to attend the first day of high school. Yes, going to school isn’t without quite a few trials and tribulations. It takes considerable courage to get up, walk in sickening heat with a stuffed backpack and all the while feeling miserably self‑conscious.

Teachers ought to be our heroes (and paid more). Every day they strive to give our children a spark of interest that will make them actually want to embrace algebra, or find  happiness in the pages of a book. Teachers know that in the masses of children they inspire each day  stands the possible next great inventor, future President and scientists that will help save the planet.

Know a parent with school‑age children? Give them an extra nod of approval because they need all the help they can get. Drive slowly around those school zones and watch closely–you might be seeing 10‑year‑olds, but they’ll be our future leaders. Know a teacher? Hug them now and avoid the line. Happy days are here again ... school is back is session!