Summer’s Children

School Grounds

I wondered what it would be like to live in a world where it is always June.

L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

Elementary schools have changed a great deal since I was a student. The school across the avenue from our condo is private, with lush green lawns and ancient trees, surrounded by a fortress of lofty wrought iron fences connected with tall brick pillars. Electric gates open and close to allow the community access.

Summer vacation will soon be here and I can hear the children’s excited voices cheering as they play their games, knowing that soon they will be free of classes and teachers for a long awaited few months. Days filled with travel, swimming in pools, attending camps and endless afternoons spent with friends.

These students are different from many others. They enjoy eighth grade trips to London and elaborate graduation celebrations. Yes, they are privileged, however, they are still kids. They experience the same insecurities, anxiety and anguish as others their age. One day they might look back on these days with a combination of nostalgia for what once was and relief that it’s over.

I wish there was a magic formula for turning children into mature, compassionate, caring adults. Our society shows we cannot count on background or even up bringing to insure responsible citizens. Jackie Kennedy is quoted as saying, “If you bugle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters much.” Most of us do our best and cross our fingers it is enough.