Kids are back in school; why so early

In my neck of the woods, our public school children returned for another academic year.  It's August 8th; whats the rush.  Some parents may disagree with me but, as long as were going to use a summer break format, why do we redefine summer?  Down here, the kids are set free in May, usually before Memorial Day.  Why so early?  Then they go back sometime before August 10th.  Again, why so early?  In case the school systems did not get the memo, it's HOT in these here parts; crazy HOT.  It can be hot in September too, but why do these kids need to be in the classroom in the peak of the hottest days of the year?  And there is that other distraction called hurricane season.  Many times, in these parts, August brings us those unpleasant visitors like Katrina.  In fairness, September can too.  It just seems to me that a better "summer break" might be June 10th through Labor Day.  Well they don't pay me for my opinion so this remains just that, my opinion. 

Courtesy of blogger extraordinaire, Fr. Austin Fleming, the Concord Pastor here are some back to school prayers:

A Student's Prayer

Dear God,
Help me remember that you’re always by my side
at school and all day long.
Help me be the best student I can be,
using all the gifts and talents you’ve given me.
Help me study well and often
– especially when I don’t feel like studying at all!
Help me finish all my homework – on time.
Help me listen to my teachers and coaches.
Help me play fair and play safely,
Help me be honest when I’m tempted to cheat.
Help me always tell the truth.
Help me be kind to everyone at school
and to treat others as I’d want them to treat me.
Help me make good friends
and help me be a good friend to others.
Help me know how I can help others
and to ask for help when I need it myself.
Help me love and respect, trust and appreciate my parents
- and to be honest with them.
Help me remember that you’re with me always, Lord,
and that you’ll never leave my side.
Amen.

ConcordPastor.blogspot. com

and another:

A Parents' Prayer for Students

Dear Lord,
As my children leave for school,
I pray that you will keep them in your care.
Send your Spirit to open their minds
to all that is true and beautiful and good.
Help them to see the gifts and talents
you have given them and to use them well.
Help them to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Help them to be kind to others
and lead others be kind to them.
Give their teachers patience and understanding
and help them teach what is just and true.
Send your angels to guide and guard my children
and to keep them from all harm.
Open their young hearts to your presence
and enfold them in your peace and protection.
Hold them in the palm of your hand
and bring them home safely at day's end.
Amen.
ConcordPastor.blogspot.com