August 18, 1999

DOWN HOME:
School bells toll a tune
that marks fleeting time
___Time has changed my mind about the start of school.
___Not so many years ago, when Lindsay and Molly were in elementary school, I eagerly anticipated the day when those big yellow buses rolled again and teachers welcomed their young charges back to the structured confines of academia.
___Summers used to be long. At least they seemed long. The girls weren't so swamped

MARV KNOX Editor

with activities, and the dog days of late summer seemed to drag. Our daughters, though darling, became bored and looked forward to going back to school. Their mama, though patient, was tired and ready for them to go back. And their dad, who prefers routine over chaos, was ready for normalcy, whatever that is.
___The schoolhouse doors in our town opened last week, and--despite perfunctory protestations to the contrary --Lindsay was ready for 10th grade and Molly was prepared to take a crack at seventh.
___That evening at dinner, they chatted excitedly about the start of the year. So far, they like their teachers and think their classes are interesting. And, of course, they enjoyed seeing friends.
___But I heard a tone of sadness in the tolling of school bells. I realize how rapidly the next 10 months will pass, and another year of raising these wonderful gifts from God will be gone.
___Sure, we'll enjoy ball games and band concerts. I'll get a kick out of studying seventh-grade Texas history. We'll work on science projects and critique book reports. Joanna will re-calculate math problems, and I'll proofread English papers. With two kids taking Spanish, I hope to make progress on Español myself.
___It'll be a wonderful year. And it'll be over before you can say, "TAAS test."
___Now, the start of a new school year reminds me of the splendor, beauty and privilege of raising children. It's a fleeting opportunity, so parents, too, must be quick learners.
___A few years ago, I found a list of things parents can do to help their kids with school. A panel of teachers recommends parents:
___ Praise children's efforts. Everybody loves and needs encouragement.
___ Make a space for studying and set a routine for preparing lessons.
___ Ask about school. Your interest affirms the value of school, with all its educational and social opportunities.
___ Ask your children's opinions and ask them to teach you. These questions reinforce their sense of worth and offer valuable insight into their lives.
___ Talk to teachers. They can help you help them help your kids.
___ Read to your kids. This reinforces the value of learning. It also provides precious moments together, a slowdown time in a hectic world.
___And don't forget to pray for them, every day. You both need it.

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