As the camera pans across the faces of the children, with arms crossed and disgruntled expressions, singers herald &uot;the most wonderful time of the year.&uot;

Of course, according to the national office supply retailer’s television commercial, the &uot;most wonderful time of the year&uot; isn’t the traditional holiday season.

It is, instead, the back-to-school season.

&uot;Wonderful&uot; perhaps for parents, who appreciate the routine of school days. &uot;Wonderful&uot; perhaps for the retailers who sell the much-needed school supplies.

And &uot;wonderful&uot; perhaps in many other ways.

While we celebrate the joys and simplicity of summer time, we understand the importance and value of &uot;school time.&uot;

And we are ready for that season of learning to begin again as classes resume across the Miss-Lou beginning next week.

We realize that the investment we make in our children’s education is perhaps the most critical investment we can make.

And make no mistake, education is an investment for parents – and not just in the cost of school supplies, uniforms or tuition. It is an investment of time and energy – a commitment to supporting your children in their education; to being involved in their education and their schools; to instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for the educational process in their children by being prompt, prepared and proactive in school. It is an investment in our futures and in our community.

And, if we invest wisely and consistently, we will reap the rewards for many years to come.

So, yes, this is &uot;the most wonderful time of the year.&uot; It is a time to learn, to grow and to invest in our future.