Ah, new crayons along with pencils or markers, neatly tucked inside a zipper pouch to be packed inside an appropriate backpack. Depending on the age there may also be gluesticks and scissors for little hands to hold and master cutting out a variety of shapes. New shoes–unsoiled from wear and tear–fit small or big feet. Bright new clothes make for a perfect photo opportunity before heading out the door to walk or get a ride to school from a parent or an expectant school bus driver. No matter how a “first day of school” may look for each child, leisurely days of summer are beginning to fade, even though it seems that June’s last day of school is still visible in the rear view mirror of our children’ s lives.  It’s been a long time since I’ve launched our own kids out the door to meet their bus, let alone my own years growing up in Saginaw where I attended public schools for my education.

Today, I found myself reflecting on the “first day of school” along with some favorite memories of my own. I definitely remember getting new clothes and shoes each school year. In grade school crayons and pencils were provided by the teacher. There was no need for a backpack or a lunchbox to carry supplies either. Lunch breaks were long enough to walk home, eat a sandwich and return to our classrooms. By junior high all this changed. Now, money for hot lunch was an option to bring something from home packed neatly in a brown paper bag.

We didn’t have the luxury of backpacks either. We carried three ring binders with dividers for each class, balancing text books on top when carrying between classes or home when  homework was assigned. Learning to juggle a stack of books was an art in itself, especially in a crowded hallway where getting bumped into was a potential accident waiting to happen. 

Other memories that I still hold onto include:

• Mom bought a little rug to be used in kindergarten for naps. Yes, we actually laid down on the tiled floor for a rest break.
• Studying the early settlers in America in third grade by constructing a log cabin in 3rd grade. It was made from long sheets of brown paper, painted to resemble what the pioneers built. Third grade was also the year to learn cursive and Mrs. Leddy was adamant we formed each letter according to the chart that hung above the blackboard. No exceptions in how we may have wanted to form each stroke!
• Friday afternoons in fifth grade belonged to art! Returning from lunch, we had about 2 ½ hours devoted to art projects that Miss MacKenzie had in mind for us. Holidays were exceptional when it came to her choice of creative things for us to draw, paint, or color. She also held spelling bee contests to improve our vocabulary skills and the prizes were candy bars. Not the miniature ones, but regulation size! I can still see both teams, one lined up by the windows facing the others who stood across from us by the walled cabinets.
• Sixth grade completed my time in my elementary building and I was thrilled to have Mrs. Pike. She had two big art projects kids loved! When studying Egyptian culture we made large paper mache “masks” which took several days to form and dry before painting. Several teams worked on each mask which when finished, were hung on the wall above the blackboard. Our school’s custodian was tasked to help fasten them in place. At Christmas time, we made balloon ornaments to hang as a mobile. We took a large blown balloon, wrapped it in string, submerged it in a paste solution and once dry, popped it leaving the empty shell to be painted, thus creating a mobile like ornament. Our balloons were hung from the ceiling tiles and allowed to be taken home over Christmas break.
• By the time junior high years rolled around, I was introduced to choral music which I loved. Math became a challenge but I managed to muddle my way through without failing.
• High school years still had me in the choir program which also included participating in contest festivals and a major musical production each year.  Although I never received a major or minor role, being in the “chorus” was satisfying and great fun as confidence in myself continued to grow. Academically, I was drawn to my English classes where I continued learning and expanding my vocabulary, writing skills, and landed Mr. Matlock as the instructor for our school’s yearbook and newspaper. In my senior year I was appointed the editor of our yearbook and had close friends who worked on the paper. Both publications won national awards!

Looking back I have many memories from school. In comparison to now, with our own kids and now grandchildren, much has indeed changed. What remains is the anticipation of a “first day” and all the joy and wonder it promises. Having traded the excitement of new clothes and supplies over 60 years ago now, I find myself in a new position during this time of year. Now, as I did for our own children, I cover our grandchildren in prayer as they head out the door. I include their teachers in my requests before the Lord for they hold huge responsibility teaching our youngsters. 

Psalm 91: 4 has become a crucial prayer of protection, too, in our ever changing world. “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (New Living Translation)

Gone are the days of naptime in kindergarten. Lunch breaks don’t include walking home, replaced  now with noisy cafeterias and aides helping with pesky juice boxes and yogurt containers. Cursive has been removed from some curriculums. Thankfully art and music remain as wonderful opportunities for young creative minds! I don’t know if spelling bees are a thing or not. I’d like to think an old practice could be revived to instill healthy competition while expanding knowledge. And, maybe toss in a few regular size candy bars for the winning team!

For all our kids returning to school this year, whether in our public ones, private, or homeschool surroundings, I pray you have a wonderful successful year! May our kids be encouraged to embrace learning, grow in confidence and above all, be kind and respectful to those entrusted with their care in and outside all classrooms! May we as parents and grandparents support our students with deep love and strong prayers!