Summer vacation still has several weeks or more to run here, depending on the district or particular school (for private schools).

I was JUST thinking of you and the sprites today rhizo!!! I know you've been sitting on your hands, not sharing much info about them, so THANK you for this!!

Schools in Canada go back the day after Labour Day, in Sept.

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy hearing about them.

Here, the first day of school is Aug. 16th. That is the middle of the week. I don't know why they don't start on a Monday.

Some jurisdictions in MidTenn started today (08/01), my county starts on Friday. I've started weaning my GGS from 10PM or later to 9:30PM and 9:00 by Thursday. TN requires a school year of 185 days. Last day for '18 is May 25.

Back in the dark ages when I went to grammar school in CT school started the Wednesday after Labor Day and ended in late June, depending on snow days.

Middle of the week here too, but not until Aug 30. The kids still have another month, then go to school three days followed by a three day weekend.

August 1st, the first day of school? geeze. We too didn't start until after Labor Day, then got the following Monday off for the County Fair.

here, after labor day... a nearby district Aug 25th.. now is way too early but they end early. we end 2nd-3rd week of june... i agree, stealing summer from the kids. you would think the hotter areas of the country would start later to be a little cooler. august in AL has got to be hot!!

UGH, i hate the school buses and school zones., takes at least a third longer to get work and the traffic doubles!!

"These school districts have stolen summer from our children. It's ridiculous."

Balderdash! These kids get nine weeks of summer vacation. That's more than enough time for fun, travel, going to camp, and getting into mischief.

Ours starts the day after Labor Day. However, if you child is in sports, practice starts in August.

There is something about September that still makes me feel it is the beginning of the year.

Years ago, I remember wearing actual Fall clothing to school.

Now, it is still hot and the DD's always went in shorts.

I always enjoy the sprite updates. So sweet that you are providing the special extras. These are the memories that will mold their personalities.

I was also wondering how the little girls were doing! So happy you were able to take them shopping and for new hairdo's. it's a big deal apparently to shop at thrift stores. Another place is Plato's Çloset. For the teens/pre-teens anyway. Didn't know if you knew about that one. It's a consignment place.

The children I help with on Mondays ended school here in Vancouver, BC on the last week of June. They will start up again right after Labour Day. The unseasonable heat seems like it will still be here then. They might be in Summer attire for their first day back.

A new do can make one feel just right. Smart gift. :)

Hope the sprites have a nice school year. And they make good friends. Most of my sisters have lifetime friends from those early years in grade school. (I'm the outlier. I didn't get along with most other kids. I was super geeky and awkward in my own skin.)

We too have laws that cater to the tourism industry, so no classroom time until after Labor Day. That of course does not inhibit the fall sports teams from starting practices or the school having their teacher workshops in August. Many schools are talking about going year 'round. Much has been studied about the brain drain that happens when we suspend learning for three months each year. The agricultural economy that designed our "9 month" school year is pretty antiquated really, and does not cater to the actual needs of most working families. How fun for you to get to help with the fun parts of back to school!!

Band, cross country track, wrestling, football, etc., started practice on August 1. School starts next week. School opens on the 16th. We have four high schools so we get to hear band music throughout the four corners of town for a few weeks prior to school.

I remember being bored with summer vacation by the time August rolled around. I was happy to go back and see all the kids and meet the new teachers. School seemed like fun.

Love your sprite stories! But wow--awfully early to start school. Do they get out early in the spring? Here there's always a juggle to get in the required number of days when days are lost to snow storms.

My grandkids start today and yes they get out before Memorial Day next year. They also get a week long Fall break, a week at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, and a week in the spring. There are also quite a few long weekends throughout the rest of the year.

My son loves this schedule. They are bored at home and he loves having a fall break.

Alisande, summer vacation typically starts in mid- to late May.

WOW! I love that you splurged and got them cute hair cuts! Goodwill is a fun treasure hunt as well. Love to hear they're doing well!

Yay sprites! Surrounding counties started this week, my son starts next Monday. We get out earlier than California too. Of course, not as early as we used to. Almost to year round schools. Just eight weeks or so off for holiday/vacation fun time.

Perhaps kids don't spend as much time outdoors for hours like we did, always something to do or get into.

In my county, this school year runs from Aug. 14 through May 30. Traffic is the absolute worst from then through Labor Day because tourists are still here and the back-to-school traffic is added. Gridlock is just as bad at 3 p.m. as it is at 5 p.m.

Wondering if we should take a poll about instituting year-round school...with the vacation days spread out more evenly. I think I'd still want a whole month at some point so that kids could experience camp or an extended family trip.

ALWAYS great to hear about the rhizo's sprites!

So Rhizo, how'd they do....Was it a good day?