Her idea was simple – a la Norman Rockwell, mom suggests – gather friends on the first day of school and walk together. “We don’t do anything in our house without food,” says Candice Signa, so she brought donuts into the mix.
It was seven years ago when four of them gathered that first fateful day, took photos, ate the tempting treats and then, as they walked, collected a few more friends along the way. Since it was so much fun, they decided to do it again the next year, and the party grew to eight, then 12, then . . . Last year, a group of 60 kids gathered in the Buellton home of the Signas for the first day of school photos, coffee, donuts and the now yearly group walk. It has become such an event, that it makes the school yearbook every year.
Like his older sister before him, Henry, an about to be a third grader, is looking forward to the annual gathering. He invited about a dozen friends including one little boy (who he is careful not to name) that tends to get more teasing than offers to join in.
Henry smiles broadly and says he plans to change that for his classmate this year. Or could-be classmate, he says – Henry won’t know where he stands until the eve of the first day of school when class lists are posted just as administrators and teachers dash home for the night.
The Signas find the last-minute notice unnerving but understand the purpose for it. “I’m most looking forward to see who my classmates and teacher is going to be,” Henry says. He is also looking forward to math and science, he adds, showing off his new book. Reading is another favorite.
Of his sister’s tradition, Henry says: “I think it is a good idea because even if you’re not in the same class as your friends, you can still walk together.” It builds community in the small-town way so often missing in hurried society, the Signas offer.
Candice is happy to have to rise early and dash out for fresh donuts on what is already a crazy morning. The children grow up so quickly, she says with a sigh. This year, Lachland and her friends begin middle school in other parts of the Valley. “I’m bummed I don’t get to see her at school anymore,” says Henry. But those would-be teens planned to come and walk with the group anyway, and called to make sure it’s still open to them. “They want to come and do what they’ve always done,” says Candice, even though they attend different schools that start on different days.
“It makes my heart happy. These friendships will last for years,” she says, carefully checking back her emotions. The Signas are happy for the opportunity to provide their children what they know will become fond memories to take with them as they grow up, and out on their own, all too soon. struax@syvjournal.com