Back-to-School Season: Heatwaves, Memories, and the Magic of Learning

Wednesday, August 12, 2025
written by Sabrina Ball

Traffic is picking up again. After the quiet lull of summer, Arizona’s roads are buzzing with activity. But while the school bells are ringing and routines are falling back into place, one thing hasn’t changed: the weather. Fall may be on the calendar elsewhere, but here in Arizona, we’re still in the midst of record-breaking heat. So yes - school must be in session.

Lately, social media has been flooded with back-to-school posts. Photos of kids with backpacks too big for their little frames. Teary-eyed moms watching their youngest walk into kindergarten or fly off to college. Memes about the chaos of school mornings. Proud teacher tributes. And yes, even the humorous celebrations from parents who are just glad the kids are finally out of the house for part of the day.

I’ve always loved this time of year. There’s something electric about it - a buzz in the air that signals learning, growth, and new beginnings. Sure, I complained like everyone else. The early bus rides, the tough classes, the never-ending homework. But deep down, I loved school. Maybe that’s why I stuck with it so long - earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees, then spending over three decades in early childhood education. Learning is addictive. It’s heartwarming. It’s challenging. It’s everything.

Lately, these posts have stirred something in me - a memory of those early grade school years. I can still name my first six teachers, from first through sixth grade. I bet many of us can. Those years laid a foundation for who I became.

For me growing up in the Pacific Northwest, school didn’t start until after Labor Day and it wasn’t just about academics. It was friends, laughter, scraped knees, long bus rides out in the country where I grew up, endless recess games, and the kind of learning that doesn’t always show up on report cards. It was about growing up and figuring things out - one awkward phase at a time.

Would I change anything about my school years? Maybe. Probably. Most certainly. But I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything. They shaped me. And I’ll always be grateful for the people - especially the teachers - who guided me through them.

Here’s to the start of another school year. May it be filled with growth, grit, giggles, and lots of grace.