Kids talk back to school

HAMBURG — With lumps in their throats, mixed emotions, and a pantry stocked with peanut-free snacks, parents across Sussex County will send their children off to school this week.

Often we hear from tearful moms sending their "baby" off to Kindergarten, or frazzled dads glad that their middle schooler might actually put down his tablet and pick up a required reading book. But how do the students feel?

This week StrausNews sat down with three students; an excited child entering Kindergarten, a well seasoned sixth-grader, and a high school Sophomore chock full of tips on how to stay organized, and got the scoop on how kids really feel walking into the classroom on that first day.

The Kindergarten Experience Standing in bare feet, Sophia Crane of Hamburg, carefully unzips a sheeny pink backpack with images of various foods, all which have achingly adorable faces. Between answering questions and showing off her new Shopkins bag, she runs over to the large fan in the living room, stands in front of it and lets the breeze spin her sun lightened hair across her face. About to embark on her schooling journey, this pint-size student with an impish grin can't wait till she is able to get her first locker. Unfortunately she'll have to settle for a cubby this year. Mom gently informs her daughter lockers are not used until third grade.

StrausNews:: What are you most looking forward in school?

Sophia: Getting the teacher I want and going to school with my brother and his friends.

StrausNews:: What subjects do you like?

Sophia: I guess Art.
StrausNews:: Did you get a special back to school outfit?

Sophia: Well, we have school shirts, school pants, and school dresses. I like that. I like the dresses.

StrausNews:: Do you think you will miss Mom?

Sophia: I am not going to miss mommy!

The Seasoned Sixth GraderWith a ready smile, quirky sense of humor, and easy going nature, 11-year-old Andrew Ross of Hamburg feels he is ready to take on the sixth grade. Still wearing his arm bracelet from a recent trip to Lake Tomahawk, Andrew sat on his front stoop and shared his thoughts on saying goodbye to summer.

StrausNews:: Are you nervous about the first day of school?

Andrew: A tiny bit. We're going to have to do homework and I might have to take the bus this year. Well, actually, it's more of a happy nervous feeling in a way. You never know what can happen during the year.

StrausNews:: What are you most looking forward to?

Andrew: This year I'm going to try to study and work hard.

StrausNews:: Any favorite subjects?

Andrew- Well yes! I really like Social Studies. I like learning about history and what happened in like 1982.

StrausNews:: How do you feel about summer ending?

Andrew: I'm going to miss the warmness and just you know the whole summer experience.

The Advertiser: Do you plan on wearing a special back to school outfit?

Andrew: Oh I will have to choose. My grandmother spent so much money on tons of outfits for me.

A teenager's perspectiveKama Murdock is 15 years old, boasts stellar organization skills, and wants to shed the misconception that teenagers don't get anything done. Gearing up for her sophomore year at Sussex Tech, this Graphic Design major has a plan to get homework done promptly this year.

StrausNews:: What are your feelings on summer ending?

Kama- I don't like summer to be honest with you, but I like the break and feel a break is healthy. I never really get sad that summer is over. I like to have everything neatly organized and color coded for each subject. I look forward to new teachers and new friends.

StrausNews:: How will this year be different for you?

Kama: This year is going to be a little easier. Starting High School was one of the most difficult things I ever did, you just don't know what to expect. Now that this will be my second year, I think it will go smoothly.

StrausNews:: You're studying Graphic Design. What type of job do you hope to get?

Kama: Animation. I'm dreaming big and hope to make cartoons for Pixar. I love cartoons and tend to be drawn to the goofy, wacky look. My favorite cartoons are The Simpsons and My Little Pony.

StrausNews:: Besides Art, what other subjects do you like?

Kama: How much I enjoy a subject depends on how the teacher is. But I do enjoy Science because I love nature and animals, and Science explains the world around me.

StrausNews:: What are you most looking forward to?

Kama: The Student Center. It's a great place where we can go to hang out and they have ping-pong tables, X-Box, Wii, pool, you can even play PAC-MAN. The kid's can go at lunch or after school and there is a bus that will take you home if your parents can't come and get you.

StrausNews:: How do you stay organized? It seems very overwhelming.

Kama: I admit last year I struggled doing my homework on time, but this year I plan to use an alarm on my ipod and telling myself I must get my work done by the time the alarm goes off. Also I keep my schedule as the home screen on my ipod. Color coding is big too. Having that visual helps.

StrausNews:: What is the hardest thing about being a teenager?

Kama: Balancing grades, my social life, and sleep. If I'm working hard on getting good grades and getting enough sleep, then I don't have much time for friends. If I make time for friends and stay on top of my grades, then I don't get much sleep. And homework. Keeping track of homework is the hardest.