School Days

Children across North Texas began the 2007-08 school year this morning. This is the latest starting date in quite some time. For many of the past years, Plano and maybe a couple of other districts would begin the first week of August with many other school districts starting the following couple of weeks. Because of the early start, there was always a wonderful week of fall break in early Oct. Our legislature (pressured by the tourism industry) decided every district needed to start around the same date in late August and no school could start before the fourth Monday of this month. Yea--more vacation time at South Padre or Sea World or Six Flags in the summer. Because of the late start, there will be no break in October this year or I guess for years to come. I sure did like it then. We would go to Gulf Shores, get a great fall rate on the condo and had the beach practically to ourselves. Being the retired couple we are, we can still do that, but I think most teachers and the kids will miss this great week.

Fifty-five years ago I doubt there was fall break either. Here is the only class picture I have of my elementary years of education. Can you tell which well behaved little Catholic school girl I was? Hint: I am the only one out of uniform. Yep, that's me on the second row without my red tie. I think this is why my parents bought the picture. Once again Christine is doing her own thing, was probably in trouble with the Sisters and is smiling like she could care less! It looks like there were about 41 of us in this class. Sure am glad I wasn't teaching then when they were packing the kids into the rooms.