One of our favorite back-to-school commercials was Staples’ take on the Christmas song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” In it, the Dad loads the shopping cart with glee as the faces of the son and daughter couldn’t be more stoic.

Yes, three weeks from today, Aug. 13, the staffs at local schools will be greeting students as they get off the bus or get dropped at the front door by their parents. Memories of summer activities will fade away as they take their seats surrounded by four walls. No beach or boat ramp in sight!

Did you enjoy going back to school after a fun summer? Probably not, in most cases, as most of the time you got to do things that don’t happen during the school year, such as sleeping in late, lazing around the house, hanging out with friends, watching TV – and, in recent years – scrolling the internet for hours. No homework, no instruction – just freedom.

Well, kids. No time like the present to enjoy the three weeks you have left to plan and do the things you might not have done in late June, July and the first week in August. Put down your phones, iPads and tablets and get outside. Fresh air and sunshine. Explore. You will be cooped up in your school for the next nine months so enjoy the rest of your summer.

Wiscasset’s school supply event was held this past Sunday and Boothbay Region Elementary School’s Set for Success will be held Aug. 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

If you have missed the Wiscasset event or can’t make the BRES event, perhaps you can get to a Staples and look for a Dad and kids, like in the commercial, just for a laugh!

Enjoy your week!