Area students "Meet the Teachers" prior to first day back to school

Tables and chairs were organized, and rooms were decorated. Pencils were sharpened, and supplies were put away. No, it wasn’t the first day of school, but something probably of equal importance. This was “Meet the Teacher.”

Teachers in area schools were waiting in their classrooms as children and their parents would come filtering in. Over a span of a mere couple of hours, most elementary teachers in the area had met most, if not all, of the children who would be in their charge once the bells rang on Aug. 22.

Parents filled out paperwork, saving themselves the hassle of completing it on Monday night, and students visited with friends, read books, and got to know their teachers.

Many supplies were dropped off, saving the students from lugging the mounds crayons, folders, tissues, wipes, and pencils they would need during the upcoming year. Some left their backpacks hanging on their nicely labeled hooks, and put their pencil boxes in their labeled cubbies.

Many teachers offered a treat for their students, a little snack or token to remind them that they are special to the teacher. Kindergarten teachers in Hughes Springs offered their students a “Homework Buddy,” which was a little stuffed animal or toy for the child to take home, to read and do homework with.

After the students and parents had left, teachers and staff picked up their rooms, putting items back where they belonged, in preparation of the big day, the first day.