Local parents plan to celebrate kids going back to school

NEWPORT, Ky. - Many Tri-State parents are looking forward to the first day of school, because it means an impromptu celebration of the extra free time they will soon get thanks to the summer months coming to an end.

When people think of back-to-school celebrations, the old Staples commercial comes to mind: The dad running down the store aisle as holiday music is played in the background, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." His kids look depressed while he's overjoyed at the idea of buying school supplies.

WCPO decided to get a glimpse into what Tri-State parents planned to do once school kicked off, and there were some interesting responses. Some Tri-State moms and dads said they could not truly celebrate because the pain of buying expensive school supplies caused too much grief. Other parents planned to drink a cold margarita for breakfast and set off fireworks.

Plenty of parents were found at Newport on the Levee as they celebrated a few end-of-summer activities with their children.

"I think the wife and I may actually hire a baby-sitter and go on our own vacation to get away. If not, there's always house projects and things to do that we can't do with the little ones," said Chris Austin of Defiance, Ohio

There was even a 5 year old girl who could feel the back-to-school rush.

"I'm so excited!" said Anna Jackson. She is impressed with starting school this year and meeting new friends.

"It'll be a little bit of a break, and then I'll have one-on-one time with my other little one. She's two," said Anna's mother, Saretta Jackson of Lawrence County, Ohio.

But the school year is actually bittersweet for some parents like Michelle and Jim Bowen. "It's been kind of a fun time to have them at home, and I don't think they're really too thrilled about going back to school yet," said Jim.

"Yeah, you know, when the baby goes off to kindergarten, that's a little sad," added Michelle who will have a son going to the third grade and her youngest son starting school.

WCPO viewers were sure to chime in on the topic on Facebook. Check out some of the responses:

"Go get me a stiff drink! lol" -William Brown

"I'm missing my boys already, Aug. 18th first day!!!" -Vickie Lee

"Jump up and down. No seriously, son will be starting middle school and I will be crying." -Kimberly Rhoden Murray

"I won't celebrate! I love having my kids home:) I will shed a few tears." -Staci Jett

"Their first day back i have made plans to take my 2 yr old to my friends and spend the day at the pool. aug 17 can't get here fast enough! i want my house back. i want my peace and quiet back. i want my sanity back!" -Maxi Herzner

"Not much celebrating here. Back to school supplies for 2 kids amounting to over $100, not including clothes. Ugh." - Carrie Roberts

"My happy dance. :-)" -Timothy Roach

How will YOU celebrate the kids going back to school, if you celebrate at all?