Hunters and gatherers all
Friday before the week of the “big day”. Or maybe the week before the week of the “big day”. Depends on where you live. Locally, the anticipation is thick enough to cut with a butter knife. The end of summer is nigh; school must follow.
Out to the box stores to purchase more bulk media storage – the rule is that there is never enough. And we were not alone. From front to back, corner to corner, the parents were out. Engaged in the annual scavenger hunt, with a list in hand. Having organized more scavenger hunts than I like to admit, I feel a little guilty.
Sometimes, teachers get a little giddy at the thought of their shares in paper and pen stocks. A captive audience, willing to buy Duo-tangs in twelve colours, if asked. People who believe that the colour of the pencil eraser is important. Mothers (more than fathers) who will lead their sheepish children, up and down the aisles, in the quest for item 17 on a list of (pick an outrageous number).
It is the time for the initial purchase of school supplies. Beyond a doubt, there will be other trips before the end of June blowout (where stuff goes to recycle, since school requires NEW materials to go with a NEW year). Right now, a parent is checking the list for a third or fourth time, sure that the magic marker will magically appear. So much potential; Johnny Can Read, if he has enough blank paper in his satchel.
I wish for simpler times, when a slate sufficed…
