I have the same feeling every year when it’s time for school to start. Dread. It seems silly. I love my kids’ elementary school. They’ve loved all their teachers and the staff, and they are cared for as if they were that person’s child. They have really good friends there too. Honestly, the dread comes from not seeing them as often in the day and sticking to rigid schedules of making lunches, bedtime routines, before and after school activities. You get the idea.
To add insult to injury, we have one entering junior high school this year. Many unknowns await us and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious for her. She sailed through middle school these last two years and had a wonderful experience but this is a new playing field. It’s a scary and exciting time and one that’s sure to bring the start of a new normal at our house.
I share my stories because I can relate to most of you. I remember being the first time mom of a Kindergartener. (one more to go!) I know how it feels to send them to a new school where parents aren’t informed of every detail because it’s time for your child to learn their own way. And trust me, I’m taking notes from parents who have already graduated kids from high school and college. Gulp!
The flip side is that it makes me happy to watch them grow, learn and experience new things. I’m sure you share that sentiment. And whether this is your first or last year to send kids off to school, somewhere in between or you’re a homeschooling mom, this 12th Annual Back-to-School Issue will help guide decisions and smooth transitions for your family. Look to the quick-reference guide on pages 46-57 for businesses that provide all your back to school needs.
We get to offer double thanks this month to Rhea Lana’s and Providence Academy for their joint efforts in sponsoring this issue! The owner of Rhea Lana’s is Ashley Noland and her kids attend Providence so they have a great partnership and it made for a fun photo shoot!
Rhea Lana’s is NWA’s premier children’s consignment event where you can shop for or sell all your children’s clothing, toys, furniture, books, games, baby equipment and more all in one convenient spot. Their back-to-school event is August 21-27 at 1106 N. Old Missouri Rd (just north of The Jones Center), Springdale. Visit www.rhealana.com for more information.
Providence Academy is a premier private, independent, college-preparatory school serving Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. Their mission is to partner with parents to equip students with a biblical worldview, all to God’s Glory. Plans for a new permanent campus on 66 acres in Lowell are underway. Learn more at www.providence-academy.com or make plans to attend one of their informational meetings.
Our final issues rounding out 2016 are the September Healthy Families Guide, the October Birthday Guide and the November and December Holiday Gifts and Events Guides. Contact our sales staff to learn about advertising opportunities.
Wishing you a great school year!
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