There’s nothing more difficult than having our August issue’s back-to-school deadlines right around the 4th of July holiday when it seems like everyone is out of town. It was especially difficult since we were just then beginning to enjoy our first stretch of sunny, warm, Idaho summer days.

        But something more difficult than that was looking back to last spring and the weeks and months that followed, seeing and reading the announcements of tightened school budgets; shifting schedules and class offerings; strained and reduced staff; cuts to resources, athletic, music, and art programs, and much more. Difficult decisions were being made, and at times it made looking ahead to this new school year, well, a little difficult.

        Yet as we worked away on this issue, gearing up for the start of another school year, the same back-to-school excitement returned. In this issue we’ve included afterschool opportunities and activities for kids, new school programs, creative lunch box ideas, back-to-school savings ideas for families, and much more. Maybe the difficult part is over, making the hard decisions. But it’s August now, and with the anticipation of a new school year, well, it’s difficult not to feel excited.

        I have something that I need your help on as I gear up for this new school year. You see, I’ll be president of my daughter’s high school booster club. Even as I write that, I’m a little anxious. I’m sure you’ve heard this story before: “One day I volunteered for something, and before I knew it I was….” Luckily for me there’s a great group of volunteers working with me, and it gives me the opportunity to stay involved in her education—even at the high school level.

        At some point I’ll need to give a speech to the incoming students and their parents, so I’m going to run my outline by you. Feel free to email me and let me know what you think (and I’ll let you know how it goes, too!).

1. Remind parents why it’s important to support their student’s school, teachers, and programs.

2. Although they’ve volunteered for years, remind them not to stop. Change what you do, how you give, but stay involved—maybe now more than ever.

3. Yes, news surrounding education and Idaho’s school budgets is difficult to hear. So how can we turn that around and be a part of the solution? How can we provide positive educational opportunities and motivate students to do their best?

4. Remind parents that being involved and being supportive help not only their child and teenager, it helps the bigger picture—their classroom, fellow students, the school, our community, and more.

        I’m excited and I’m ready for this new school year. How about you?