Back to School Season

That's right, it's that time of the year again, the time when kids start rearranging their wardrobes for what they'll wear the first day of school, parents go school supply shopping with teens who absolutely cannot have that color folder or pencil because it makes them uncool, and advertisers flood your radio waves with school friendly reminders.  Aaaah, nostalgia.


Okay, so it's not quite nostalgia.  Like all other teachers and students, I, too, am preparing for my "back to school" start.  The countdown has begun and jitters are back.  I'm certain student jitters and teacher jitters vary greatly, but they include butterflies and sleepless nights nonetheless.  It is back to the comforting and dreaded time of year, when you know your freedom comes to a close and the predictability of your days begins.  


I thought about school today, and I instantly transfered that thought to the "You've Got Mail" quote between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.  

"Don't you just love...fall? It makes me want to shop for back to school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

I love it, because it makes the entire process seem more romantic and endearing.  I'm not sure that's how students and teachers see it, but that's definitely how Hollywood sees it.  Still, it's fun, and in a perfect world bouquets of newly sharpened pencils would be a sign of happiness.  My back to school happiness includes new highlighters, red and black pens, colored Sharpies, and an organized classroom.  Growing up, however, it included the coolest Trapper Keeper (yes, I said Trapper Keeper...I'm old, and that's okay), mechanical pencils, and five-star, three-subject notebooks.  And of course, plenty of white out.  Maybe the next movie, "You've Got Texts" can include picture SMSs of mini-sharpies on key rings.  Welcome back, School!