LANSING, MI - The end of the summer is approaching fast and that means it’s time for school bells to ring again. Lansing School District students, staff and parents will be celebrating with their fifth annual Back to School Round-up Rally Thursday, August 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Everett High School’s Archie Ross Stadium. The rally will feature children’s games, food and prizes. Students will also receive free school supplies.

“We have been doing this since Dr. Banks (Sharon) came to the district, said Myra Ford, a member of the committee charged with planning the event. “We have hot dogs, pop and potato chips for the kids, and we give away pencils, rulers, crayons, notebooks and any other supplies donated by area merchants.”

It’s an attempt to celebrate the beginning of the new school year and welcome students back with a bit of fun for children and families. Students feel different about going back to school. Some kids are nervous about going back to school, and some might even be excited.

Young Publisher, Tajalli Kelley-Graves, has some advice for students headed back to school. “If you’re in the transition stage, like going from elementary school to middle school or from middle school to high school,” said Kelley-Graves, “then one way to make sure you keep a cool head is to be prepared and comfortable. You might try taking a favorite eraser or wearing your favorite outfit the first day. “There will usually be those first day jitters, and the only way to get rid of them is by getting used to them. They will go away gradually. It might take a day or so, but they usually don’t last very long.”

Another way to be prepared is to have every thing done a day or two before school starts. That way, you won’t have the early morning rush that panics everybody into thinking that they won’t make it on time. Another thing to do to be ready for that first day of school is get to bed early so that you can get up in time to eat a hearty breakfast. It never hurts to start the school year off on a full stomach.