Just when fall seems to be around the corner, summer turns up the heat and reminds us she's in charge. We will bask in the boating and swimming weather while it lasts, however, I look forward to the cool temps of last week to return.

How many parents out there are ready to send their kids back to school? Pick me! Can I get an Amen? I love these little sweethearts more than anything, but I look forward to them getting into a routine, socializing with friends regularly and remembering that I'm not the only rule-regulator on earth. The children have been out of school since March 16, and although this six-month summer has been a pretty fantastic one given the circumstances, the children are ready for school to start. They need school and although I know it may look a bit different this year, it will still be nice to get things rolling. Thank goodness for small-town school sizes and ease of practicing social distancing – another Iowa perk.

Clay Central/Everly's registration seemed to be a good one. The school is ready for a successful and somewhat normal school year. Staff were their ever-friendly selves and greeted all with cheerful optimism as parents practiced social distancing during registration. CC/E has new paint on the walls, new carpet on the floors, refurbished flooring in the halls, newly-renovated lockers and new décor ready to welcome their students and families in a few short weeks. Most staff that I conversed with were eager to get the school year started and hopeful it would be a fun and semi-normal year ahead. Our school is blessed with some of the best staff, administration and teachers that we could ever ask for. I am thankful to send my children to such a safe, caring, compassionate, willing and eager school district. Kudos to CC/E for maintaining excellence amidst the many turbulent waters that it has faced. Go Mavericks!

I better get back to crafting with my littles. We are making popsicle shapes to hang from their walls. We utilize these shapes as a sticker chart of sorts. Every day after school I ask the girls how their day was and if they were kind, helpful, courteous, empathetic, good listeners and good rule followers throughout their school day. If the answer is yes then a sticker goes on the popsicle ornament before bed. When 50 stickers are placed, they receive an incentive prize. Sometimes this is a day trip with me or date night with Daddy, other times this is an overnight with grandparents or a trip to the pool. This has been a fun incentive for Dorothy throughout her elementary years that Vera has been waiting patiently to start herself.

I pray you all have a safe, healthy, wonderful week and weekend ahead. Enjoy the rest of summer, my friends!

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.