Swimming holes, family vacations, special projects, sporting events, a little fishing, cookouts or just a good book under a shade tree — yes, the school year is ending in the Yakima Valley and the long-awaited summer vacation is finally here.
Most students work hard from late August through May, expanding their knowledge and preparing to advance to another grade in the education process. Once June arrives, they tend to slow it down a bit in wait for that well-deserved break.
Teachers get a break too, of course, although they don’t get quite as much free time as the kids do; teachers train during the summer, and they are always busy preparing for a new school year.
Still, it’s the traditional summer break for thousands of youngsters and educators in Yakima County. And with the break comes all of that great summer fun.
Another important part of summer vacation however, is the need for safety. Something we stress several times during the year in this column.
We remind residents at the start of the school year that the school buses are once again running and children are virtually everywhere in the mornings and afternoons. We get used to being careful during the school year, but after a busy summer, we all have to re-focus when a new school year begins.
Likewise, we all need to equally be focused during the summer months. All of the out-of-school activities don’t make accidents any less possible if we aren’t careful while having fun. We all know that with fun comes responsibility.
Take extra precaution in all of your summer activities this year to make sure it is an enjoyable and memorable break.
In short, have a great – and safe – summer vacation from all of us at the Review Independent! – F.A.

    Fernando Aceves is editor of the Review Independent. He is also general manager/editor of ¡Viva! Spanish Newspaper.