Riiiiiiiiiiing! Yup, that’s the sound of the school bell ringing. Well, not yet, but the new school year is approaching quickly. It seems like the school year just ended but just like that, summer is wrapping up. Summer vacation was a great time for the Cruz family. We went to Santa Cruz, took the kids to a few other day trips and swimming just to name a few summer activities. However, our focus turned to back to school shopping; which includes but is not limited to clothes shopping, shoes, backpack, lunch bag/box and stationery. The only difference between this year and other years, is our oldest is entering the third grade.

Father time is a thief and he struck again. I feel like my wife and I were just getting him enrolled in kindergarten. It was COVID time and the day we went to meet his teacher she had the germ and was available via Zoom (remember those days?). She returned in time for the beginning of the school year and just like that he was a kindergartener. My wife and I were new to drop off and pick up so we took a few different routes and had a few routines for the school year. Once we got it down, the rest of the school year was easy. All of his first year in school went by like a comet. First day, first week, first award ceremony, first jog-a-thon, first book fair and so on. Since then, his first grade and second grade years came and went just as fast.

I am proud of the accomplishments that he has had already during his scholastic journey. Although I think his greatest moment so far was helping fellow students feel good about themselves. The school he attends has a “Buddy Bench” (which perhaps all elementary schools in town do). It was the first grade and he saw a student sitting there and he felt bad and invited the young boy to join in his game. Upon picking him up I asked him how his day was. He replied with his normal, “It was fine. Did math, spelling and went to lunch and recess.” His teacher let us know via email about the generous and kind act he did for the youngster. When my wife and I asked him about it, he replied, “Oh yeah, he was just sitting there. I just thought he could use a friend.” Amazing. Kids can be cruel, which stinks. However, there are kids out there who try to make it easier on those who feel left out too.

I hope all students of every grade have a fun, memorable, safe and successful school year in 2024-2025. Cherish these times.

Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.