Area students prepare for first day of school

HAVERTOWN, Pa. - September 5, 2011

"We have summer homework assignments, folders, colored pencils, glue sticks all in a pile," said Maily Cunningham, a mother of four.

Cunningham and her husband Vince were trying to get their four children ready for school tomorrow morning.

"It's chaos, but it's a controlled chaos. That's how my wife keeps it. The kids are all running around, she's trying to get them lined up to get their bags and it's been working out really well," said Vince.

To successfully prepare for the big first day, organization is the key.

"I have to be organized, I have them all sort of set up in little piles," said Cunningham.

For the Cunningham family, the plan is to get up Tuesday morning 7:30 a.m. on the dot.

"I mean, it's one thing to wake up but now its wake up, get your breakfast, get dressed, brush your hair, brush your teeth; it's not a leisurely two hour start to your day anymore," said Cunningham.

With the big day ahead, each child says they have something to look forward to.

"Well it's going to be my first time eating in the cafeteria," said first grader Samantha.

The oldest of the four has other interests.

"I know a lot of teachers so it's going to be really exciting to see them again," said fourth grader Laura.

Her older sister is equally as excited to meet her teacher.

"I hear she has a lot of pets. They say her classroom is like a zoo," said Amy.

As for the youngest child, 4-year-old Vincent, he simply can't wait to start pre-school.

For the Cunningham family, like many others, the first day of school is a big day but organization and preparation ensure that the school year will get off to a smooth start.