Deep breaths advised as school starts

Summer is just about over for Yuma’s students, teachers

It’s still hot outside, but for Yuma’s youngsters, summer is about to end.

On Wednesday, Crane and Somerton school districts and AzTec High return to their classrooms, followed by EEOC and Yuma Union High School District on Thursday.

The rest of the kids in Yuma County get a brief reprieve, at least until Monday when District One, Gadsden Elementary and AmeriSchools head back, with Harvest Prep reporting to class on Aug. 7.

Summer felt fleeting and short this year, as if it was just yesterday that classrooms closed their doors, marking the end of the school year.

Now it’s time to get back in gear. It’s time to buy school supplies, new clothes and shoes. It’s time to dust off backpacks, give those lunch boxes a quick bath, and see if last year’s pencil bag is still usable or if it’s time to replace it.

For parents and children alike, going back to school can be stressful. It is a bit overwhelming to get into the school groove again, to meet new teachers, learn a new routine, and reconnect with friends.

It’s exciting and scary and awesome and terrifying all at the same time, whether it’s a new grade in the same school, or moving up to the next level at a new school.

But there is one small piece of advice that can help families when it comes to adjusting to the new school year: take a deep breath. In fact, take lots of them.

New school years are always daunting and come with lots of changes.

In the end, however, one will look back and realize that year flew by. With each deep breath, know that this too will change in just a few moments.

The stress of classes, tests, homework, extracurriculars, activities, electives, recesses, friends, etc. — it all goes by in a blur. In nine months or so, this school year will be done, and families can rejoice in that summer groove once again.

As families and educators alike get ready to go back, we wish you the best and brightest of school years!