As summer fades into autumn, schools across the country have started up a new school year. When I was a kid, the last few days in August seemed to have gone by way too fast. You started to realize that summer vacation is ending. A new school year was on the horizon. Homework, quizzes and tests were going to be taking the place of sleepovers, playing hoops until dinner time and spending days trying to beat the latest video game. Even with the gut wrenching feeling of a new school year, there were some things that made you get somewhat excited for school. Here are a few of mine from back in the day. What were some of the things that made going back to school a bit easier? Let me know in the comment section.
The Fun Things That A New School Year Brings
Trapper Keepers
This was a big deal for all us Gen-Xers. We didn’t want a few folders and a basic binder. We wanted a Trapper Keeper. There were so many different designs that screamed 80s and 90s. From ones that had a Lamborghini Countach on it or unicorns or anything with neon decor, we didn’t want to be the kid without one. For some reason you had a sense of being cool if you were able to get one when you were back to school shopping.
Themed Pencils
Taking a test or writing down notes seemed to be not as bad if you had some funky pencils. Instead of the traditional yellow pencils, I remember having some NFL themed pencils. I was very cautious on which pencils I would use. The teams that I really didn’t care about too much would be used first. The teams that I liked would be used sparingly or not at all. I would tell myself that I would save the teams I liked for the following year.
First Day Of School Outfit
Besides shopping for school supplies, I remember my mom would let us pick out one outfit of our choice for the first day of school. Sports themed shirts were my go to. I would either get a Michael Jordan, David Robinson or Bo Jackson shirt. It was always a plus if I could get a matching pair of shorts to go with the outfit. You couldn’t wait for school to start just so you could wear that new outfit. You could not wear it until school started. It was a smart move by my parents.
Fun Foods To Pack For Lunch
Just like having the variety pack of mini-cereal boxes for breakfast, having the mini-chip bags for school lunches hit the same way. Even if you had the same type of chips, but it was in a clear plastic bag it was not as cool. You felt a bit cooler among your friends if you were able to bring Fritos or Doritos in your lunch.
Gym Class
The one class that most people enjoyed. From learning how to play regular sports like basketball or baseball to going outside and playing four square, gym class was a way to get out all the energy during school. Depending on the type of gym teacher you had, most of the time you were looking for gym class each day since your teacher planned a fun filled week of things to do in class.