In less than two weeks Little Elvis starts 8th grade. Although he’s talking smack about summer ending and school beginning, I can tell he’s a bit psyched about being a 8th grader.
As an 8th grader he can participate in the anti-bullying program; he’ll be part of a student group that mediates disputes on the campus as well as looking out for 7th graders at risk for being bullied.
Taking part in it was his idea.
He’s always been a peacemaker. In the tumultuous years before he and I began our solo-journey together, he consistently tried to ease tensions in the home.
He was 4 years old. It breaks my heart to think about it. Yet, those years we endured together have helped shape us both into who we are today.
Flexibility and Resilience
Both are needed for 8th grade. It’s an important year- one full of changes.
It’s the last year you can still feel like a kid. The next years bring the challenges of high school and college. Adulthood begins early in our culture. It may not be fair to kids like LE, but it’s the way of the world. So yeah, 8th grade is a special year.
My older boys came into their own personalities during 8th grade. The young adults they are today have their most obvious roots in their 8th grade years. I’m expecting LE’s academic year to be an important one as well.
Strength and Tylenol
Both of these are needed as well. The strength is required to haul around 35 pounds of books and supplies on one’s back every day. The Tylenol comes in handy for the aches and pains that result from it.
This year, if necessary, I’ll fork over the dough and buy LE a Swiss Gear backpack. The backpack handle is reinforced with steel cable and it has loads of room to accommodate all 6-8 books, a lunch, a bottle of water, and the required minutiae that somehow finds its way making the daily trip to and from school.
Last year I spent about $40 on a backpack that last through Christmas. Then another $35 for the second that barely made it through May. I figure the extra money invested in the Swiss Gear may do the trick.
I had one like the one in the photo and traded my older son for a larger one. The larger one is perfect for LE’s needs. At issue is wondering whether or not he’ll think of it as a hand-me-down . 
It’s kind of cool to have new things for a new school year. I get that.
If he does think of it as a hand-me-down from Dad, I’ll pay for a new one. If not, maybe Dad get’s a new toy? 
What a great Idea- helping with the bullies. was it his own creation? or the schools?
Be careful carrying that many books 35lbs is a lot and can cause irreparable damage.
Maybe one on wheels? or only the books he absolutely needs to take home.
nice end of summer article
The school has an bullying prevention program. Since junior high is only 7th and 8th grades, you have to be in the 8th to participate. I hear you about the backpack weight. It’s been a hot topic of debate here. He will share a locker with another student so it’s possible that he can plan his load – bring home only the books he needs as you suggest. Last year he didn’t want to be bothered with going to the locker twice a day; I’m hoping he makes a better decision this year.