Another school year is here and the excitement of new friends, teachers and new experiences are the first thought of all of us. I wanted to just mention something that I've been thinking about for a while.

It's not too late, although the classes have already begun. I hope each school and their teachers may see this column and will consider the possibilities that providing this one thing can change everyone's outlook for the day, month or year.

I remember how it was when my children were going to school and the constant yell from the other end of the house: "Get up; you're going to be late. You'll miss your bus."

That time of the year is here again and with the beginning of school comes those dang school lists. First you need a huge bank account to be able to afford to buy even a few things on the list. That thought in mind came to me when I was shopping in a nearby store and saw each school's list, sometimes two pages long. I thought why not have school stores at each school; funded by the PTA and supplied by the PTA and managed by the student's council.

What better way to help the students and the teachers at the same time.

That is the kind of project the PTA is always looking for anyway. Most of the fundraisers begin in the fall with the start of school and last all year. What a help to students, parents and teachers.

Organizations from the county could join the schools making it a project or share with other organizations, providing funding and/or help to run the small store. This would promote a feeling of togetherness between parents, teachers and students. The profits of which could fund numerous ongoing activities within the school.

I know what you're thinking: There is no room for a store. Wrong. The broom closet with a door cut in half will do just fine.

The top of the door opens when the store is open and the student behind the door sells paper, pencils, notebooks or could also provide lunch coupons for those who forgot their lunch.

There have been many times that I have thought of the days when my kids did not get their lunch or forgot their lunch and this would have been a wonderful way for them to still be able to access the lunch room, not to mention picking up needed paper.

Please consider the number of times you as a teacher or student have wished there was a school store for the additional paper, pencils, glue, etc. that your class required.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and to all students, teachers and parents, have a great school year.

Judy Manke
Dawsonville