Dear rising third and fourth graders:

Hi, I’m Jay, the editor of the newspaper.

The first day of school, July 26, is coming quickly. How can summer be over so fast?

By now, you third and fourth graders are very experienced with school, and I bet you can help me with a project.

Do you remember kindergarden and first grade? Do you have any good kid-to-kid advice for those new students?

What do you want to tell them about all the new things: buses, teachers, classrooms, lunchtime, clothes, backpacks, books, supplies, shoes, friends, recess.

Please write me a letter with your advice and encouragement. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long – one or two sentences, or make a list if you prefer.

Of course, your parents can help you, but I especially want to hear from kids.

Mail it or drop it off: Editor, 200 Winkler SW, Socorro NM 87801, or send an email to jcox@ dchieftain.com, by July 15.

Thank you in advance and have a great rest of the summer!

Jay Ann Cox

Jay Ann Cox