School Daze

It may not seem like much time has passed since the kids started summer break.

Or, maybe way too much time has passed since the kids were sitting in the classroom.

McHenry County parents undoubtedly have different feelings on the whole “back-to-school” vibe, with some relishing the last moments they have before their teenagers head off to college, while others are waiting to heave a sigh of relief that their young one is finally out of the house again for a few hours every day.

Regardless of your feelings, it is August, and it is time for school to begin once again.

We’ve approached our “Back To School” issue with a creative mind, looking at alternative schooling options, exploring the latest school fashions and figuring out just how to pack up that college student for their first months away from home.

You can read about Kathy Cormier and her four children whom she’s home-schooled at some point in their lives (page 41). Perhaps it’s an avenue you’d like to explore with your own children, or maybe you’re just curious to see how it works.

Find out more about Cormier’s two oldest children who now have found success re-entering the public school system at Crystal Lake Central High School.

If you are a parent fortunate to have a child just starting college, Paula Steiner, college and career center coordinator at Prairie Ridge High School — plus several local families — share tips on how to make the transition to college a successful one (page 44).

Every student wants to have school supplies and clothes that they love — and most want their items to be stylish, too. Check out our school fashion (page 58) and fashionable school supplies stories (page 62) to learn about the latest trends in the schoolyard.

And our cover story features Lake in the Hills mom Jen Loiseau of Amateur Kitchen — and her daughter, Maria — who share tasty, but healthy treats to enjoy both as the summer winds down and as an after-school snack (page 36).

We’ve also got some big news regarding our online format. McHenryCountyMagazine.com is sporting a brand-new look, placing more emphasis on the vibrant colors and photos that anchor the stories we report on each month.

While we’re thrilled you’re holding this copy of the McHenry County Magazine in your hand, we encourage you to visit the revamped site and see what lies beyond these high-glossy pages.

While you’re there, make sure you follow the links to our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages to ensure that you never miss a thing that’s happening in McHenry County.

Enjoy your waning summer days, and study hard!

— Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Editor
sgrimoldby@shawmedia.com