The summer of 2007 will always be remembered locally for the historic Induction Ceremony of Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn in late July, but Labor Day Weekend means the start of another school year is just around the corner.

It’s that time of year again, as students will begin the 2007-08 school year on Wednesday. Kids are probably feeling excited or a little sad that summer is near an end. Most likely they are feeling a little bit of both emotions before starting their first day of school Sept. 5.

The thought of the first day of school can make any student, regardless of age, a bit nervous no matter how many times they have experienced it. The first day entails adjusting to new teachers, new schedules, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Even children who are eager to return to class have to adjust to the greater levels of activity and structure.

The academic calendar affords students a chance for a fresh start following the summer break from studies.

It should be an exciting time for them. Technology is changing the classroom and area schools are no exception. Schools are not just teaching technology, but using technology to teach. With today’s communications, smaller rural districts can offer programming that in the past was available only in large urban and suburban districts.

Opportunities for area students continue to expand and we hope they will take advantage of them.

Students are building the foundation for the rest of their lives. What they do, accomplish and learn now will help set their course. The decisions they make now will send them in directions that become harder and harder to alter as they grow older.

Most adults know this is true. A number of us have come to understand that we could have studied more or challenged ourselves more when we were in school.

Of course, we can’t force youngsters to listen when parents and grandparents talk of working harder in school. But we can take the time to relate our experiences and what they have taught us in the hope that students can learn from it. Or at least avoid some of the pitfalls we didn’t.

We can also remain involved in the educational process by taking time to listen and be interested in what’s going on in their life at school. We can celebrate the successes and offer encouragement when the going gets tough.

So, as students head back to school, we encourage families to start the new year with them by making education an important part of daily family life.