A new school year under way

Seems summer vacations for high school students get shorter every year, but nevertheless, it’s time to officially mark it down, next Tuesday, August 6, will see the start of the 2013-14 school year for students.

That brings about a couple order of business as far as our C.C.H.S. athletic programs are concerned – a new set of senior athletes to take over the senior leadership roles and set an example for their teammates.

A new set of incoming freshman athletes to begin their high school careers as Bulldogs and Lady Dawgs – and to become the victims of some good natured initiation measures in those first days (I can still remember letting out that loud scream before leaving the exam room during our physical exam for basketball – and looking at the faces and big eyes on those now terrified freshman in the waiting room as we seniors, one by one, strolled by them).

But the most important thing we need to remember about the start of this new school year doesn’t have anything to do specifically with the athletes or sports teams, but rather about the safety of the entire school community.

Come next Monday, the roads will be a little more crowded with students – many of whom are first time or relatively new vehicle operators – driving to and from high school.

School buses will be making the routes in the early morning and early afternoon hours, and, especially in the morning hours, teachers will be driving toward their respective schools – late again and rushing to get where they should be.

All of this while we’re still in the middle of above normal traffic with yet a month or so to go in our summer tourism season.

Bottom line – give yourself a little more time – a little more room and have a little more patience.

Have a safe, and great start to another school year – and a whole new set of athletic seasons just ahead.