Pool party fun as first day of school gets near

NORTH CANAAN — There’s a look they get. It’s the same no matter which youngster is asked in mid-August about going back to school. It doesn’t matter if it’s the A+ student who has already bought new school supplies or the one trying to forget he or she still has a summer reading essay to write.

It should also be noted, mostly for amusement’s sake, that local youngsters were chatted up while attending the town recreation commission’s party at the town pool on Saturday, Aug. 15. It might seem a bit cruel to remind them that school in Region One starts Monday, Aug. 31. But that’s the only way to get “the look.”

Despite the fact that it was one of the few truly hot days of summer thus far, most of the families in attendance were those who spend a good part of summer there, letting the days stretch out stress-free with swim lessons, swim team and simply keeping cool in the pool or in the shade with a good book.

Caitlyn Sorrell loves school and is excited to be in fifth grade this year, where they get to switch classrooms for various subjects. That’s a big step. She is looking forward to next week at YMCA Camp Sloane in Lakeville.

“I already bought my school supplies,” she said.

“Seventh grade is gonna be the best, except for essays. I really hate writing essays,” her brother, Brandon Sorrell, said.

Guess who hasn’t done his yet this summer?

He added that he is anxious to get back to school because he has a hard time staying connected to friends over the summer and is looking forward to celebrating his birthday at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania the weekend before school begins. 

Best friends Elizabeth Allyn and Maddie Johnson are excited for second grade and to be going to school together.

“We’ve known each other all our lives,” Maddie said. “I’m just two weeks older.”

“So am I,” chimed in Hannah Johnson, as she bounced over. 

Of course, she and Maddie are twins.

They said the best parts of the summer were the three of them camping together, and (for Elizabeth) going whale watching.

Favorite reasons to go back to school?

“Probably art and computer,” Elizabeth said.

“I love computer,” Maddie said, “because my mom teaches it!”

Rather than asking for her to elaborate, it seemed best to instead head back to the pool for photos.