This is my second year with my daughter in “real” school. I mean preschool is great and all, but a few hours a day isn’t really school. Of course don’t tell my 3 year old that who has been saying for like 6 months that she is going to school. But Lily will be going all day every day this year to first grade. Excuse me while I go and weep in the fetal position.
For the last two years I have really felt like I should “mark” this occasion with more than just the obligatory picture in front of the house with her backpack on. Thankfully this year, someone else has provided me with a great idea. Cookie Magazine and the PTA have teamed up to invent a national holiday called School Year’s Eve. It is a great way to kick off the school year with an annual party to get everyone excited about the upcoming year.
The “official” date is August 30th, but you can do yours on whatever night is before the start of your school. Ours doesn’t start until after Labor Day. Which is crazy late this year, BTW. Cookie Magazine has put together a whole site to help you plan your event. Seriously, everything is here. Food, invites, decorations, games….it’s all there.
Here is the coolest part: If you upload some pictures of your party you could win $1500 for your own school’s PTA. You can upload your pics here. I’m thinking about combining my party with a fundraiser for my favorite local charity that provides food for school aged children. Then it will be memorable for my kids and also teach them once again about giving to others.
So what do you think? Will you be participating or do you mark the beginning of school another way?
For more tips, head over to We Are That Family.
Mandy
Twitter: PennyBlessings
says:
Our kids have already been in school for a couple weeks now! This is a great idea though! Maybe next year! We usually just reserve the last weekend before school starts to just have a “PJ Day” at home, watching movies, eating “fun” foods, etc.
Mandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Hubby’s Home!!
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Paula@Organizing Tips 4 Moms
says:
I love this idea. I think it’s a great way to start a new school year off with excitement and a positive outlook, esp for the little ones going off to Kindergarten.
Paula@Organizing Tips 4 Moms´s last blog ..Back-To-School Routines
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 8:47 am
MamaHall
Twitter: mamahall
says:
FUN! What a great idea to teach kids to celebrate school starting and not DREAD it.
MamaHall´s last blog ..works for me: twice as many baby wipes
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Tracey
says:
We don’t usually do anything special the night before school starts, other than try to get to bed a bit earlier than usual!
However, the first morning of school, I make a (quick) special breakfast – this year the girls requested cinnamon rolls (with fruit as a side for a bit of “healthiness.”) We also put a little “first day of school” gift by their plate at the breakfast table. I try to select something a bit more meaningful than a toy. We have done things like a watch, necklace, alarm clock, diary, etc.
I also pack them a special lunch and include a “Happy 1st Day of School” note, then make a favorite supper to eat while we talk about all that happened during their 1st day. I do like the “School Year’s Eve” idea, though. Since my girls started school on Monday, maybe we can try the party thing next year!
Tracey´s last blog ..Making Bedtime Sweet
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Cindy Bultema
says:
Thanks for the great idea (and for Cookie Magazine’s tools to help make it happen). What fun! Usually I hear about these ideas when it is too late ~ so I’m grateful to have a couple of weeks to plan and prepare. If you drive by our house and see a huge bash taking place, you’ll know what we’re up to!! Thanks so much!
Cindy Bultema´s last blog ..On Prayer Guides ~ and A HUGE GIVEAWAY!
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Lisa
says:
This is exciting stuff!!! How fun! thanks for sharing…
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Sturgmom
says:
Today was the first day for my boys (kinder and 1st). *sob*
But what an excellent idea for a party!! I can’t wait to look at all the details. And combining it with a fundraiser is a wonderful addition.
Sturgmom´s last blog ..A Pictorial Tribute to The Hair
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Kara
says:
What a cute idea! I’m going to have to check out Cookie Magazine (because I NEED one more thing to read, right?)
Kara´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Totally Adorable….
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
niki
says:
I think it is a super-cute idea.
We plan on a last hurrah at the beach!
Come by and visit me over at Free 2 Be Frugal!
niki´s last blog ..Review: Rock of Ages Soundtrack
[Reply]
August 19th, 2009 at 11:05 pm