Back to school already; are you kidding me?

Yep, this week has brought back to school time for many living here in the greater New Orleans area.  Some schools will wait until next week but by August 15th or so at the latest, everyone will be back in school, grades K-12.  No longer is August a "summer break" month.  A few children even started last Friday, the 2nd of August.

It's the hottest it's been all year right about bow, record breaking temps and a heat index of around 110.  We also know that August through September 15th is the peak of hurricane season.  I wonder why we have never considered a year round system with several breaks throughout the year or at least keep the kids in school until mid June and don't start back until September 15th, or at least the day after Labor Day.

I watched from my window at work this afternoon as students and parents rushed to the local elementary school for today's meet and greet.  On Friday, the school crossing guard will be out front of work, directing the back to school traffic and all the big yellow school buses.  Here we go again!

Like last year, I offer some back to school inspiration courtesy of Fr. Austin:

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