by Focus

© 2000 Focus, all rights reserved

School is about to resume, for the new school year, in Lodi, California. The public is exhibiting mixed reactions. Parents are in ecstasy at the prospect of free babysitting for their school-aged children. Retailers are rubbing their hands in anticipation of landoffice business in back-to-school supplies, and new school clothes. Students and teachers have scheduled a memorial service for their departed vacation.

A student, Purple Tresses, asked for her thoughts on the new year, said, "Hey, like it 's gonna be cool to see all my friends again!" Teachers will be preparing for the new term all of next week, inasmuch as most of them have procrastinated throughout the summer. A high school English teacher, Marta Myska, was also interviewed. "Every new year is exciting, and I am really looking forward to going back to work," she lied.