Welcome back, students

It easy for year-around Cape Girardeau residents to forget how quiet the town can get during the summer months when schoolchildren and their families are on vacation and Southeast Missouri State University students, faculty and staff are on their summer schedules.

But the town got lively again last week as students returned to school for another year of study. It's stimulating to experience the hustle and bustle that accompany a new school year.

SEMO students were prepared again this year to welcome new students moving into the dorms. With military precision, student volunteers made the experience quick and easy, much to the delight of parents and students alike.

At the welcoming picnic for this year's university students at Capaha Park, hundreds of students and townspeople had an opportunity to mingle and sample a taste of Cape Girardeau hospitality in addition to all the good eats.

Soon there will be football teams to cheer for as the night lights come on for another season.

As public and private schools began their new year, traffic increased considerably. Yellow school buses were making their rounds, parents were delivering students to their respective schools and students were learning about parking-lot logistics.

This is a good time to remind ourselves that, with all the extra traffic, it's important to be cautious when students are going to and from school. A bit of extra caution can save lives.

All in all, it's a good feeling to see all the schools back in operation. Welcome back, students. And good luck this year.