Back To School...

I used to hate the Back To School time of year. Summer was over, no more swimming, no more homework-less nights, no more waking up after 8AM.

I remember my first day of school... Thursday, September 4th, 1980... afternoon kindergarten at Dodson Elementary in Wilkes-Barre. I was lucky that my next-door neighbor, Matthew, would be in my class, too. Our moms made us big badges to wear with our names and addresses on them. I think I had a Sesame Street lunchbox.

We first had to go into Miss Thomas's huge room... just kids and teachers. Then we moved into Mrs. Price's room. Matthew got to sit across from me, so I was slightly comforted. I can't remember who sat with me and Matthew at my first table... I ended up switching seats with someone halfway through the year.

I remember crying the next couple days because I didn't want to go, but I had to. My favorite year of elementary school was 5th grade. I had Mrs. Bartlett, who graduated high school with my Dad. She was my "homeroom", math and science teacher. I had Mrs. Kane (now on Wilkes-Barre City Council) for reading and English, and Mrs. Reed for social studies. Matthew and I sat together in Mrs. Bartlett's that year, and I sat next to Megan Dougherty in Mrs. Kane's. Megan was cute... haven't seen her since '89 or so. Megan, where are you? ;)

Things got better as time went on. I enjoyed GAR. I really liked King's College... but I was happy when it was all done. I almost blacked out on stage when I got my diploma.

Here's hoping your school year goes well, especially for you teachers and administrators.

Buckle Up,
TS