September Reflections: School, Holidays, and History

September marks a transitional period, ushering in autumn, with schools reopening and routines resuming. However, in 2020, this normalcy was disrupted by the ongoing pandemic, raising concerns about safety in schools. The month also includes significant observances like Labor Day, Grandparents’ Day, and Constitution Day, reflecting on national history and values.

updated August 31, 2025

September usually feels like we’re in the home stretch of the year, two thirds of the way through. Where I live, the first day of autumn happens. Vacations end, school resumes, and life settles down into a routine.

Life felt anything but routine in 2020. We’re digging our way out of a viral pandemic that continues to sicken and kill. Continued outbreaks threaten to keep kids and teachers home from school and stop sports. Most large events are cancelled or scaled way down.

For the 2025 school season, parents can assess if their children’s school supports these core prevention strategies recommended by the CDC.

  • Stay up to date with recommended immunizations.
  • Practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
  • Take steps for cleaner air as possible in places where people live and work.
  • Persons who have respiratory illness or symptoms stay home until cleared to return.

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Labor Day

In the United States we observe a holiday called Labor Day, although most people get the day off work. Not much happens on Labor Day except in a book and a movie by that name, and I reviewed both in this post.

Labor Day, the holiday and the book

In this post I review the book Labor Day by Joyce Maynard . It explores an unexpected and transformative weekend for a 13-year-old boy named Henry, his emotionally fragile mother Adele, and a mysterious man named Frank.

Grandparents’ Day

Another un-holiday is Grandparents’ Day, usually the second Sunday after Labor Day in the U.S. I think the only people who observe it are grandparents. I shared my grand-parenting journey in this post.

Exploring the HEART of Grandparenting

This post discusses the significance of grandparenting and the impact it has on children’s well-being. In an interview, Dr. Aletha shared her ir experiences and insights as a grandparent, highlighting the role grandparents play in creating lasting memories and passing on traditions. Practical advice on caring for grandchildren is also provided, emphasizing safety and health.

Dates Worth Remembering in September

Although not as well-known or observed as Independence Day (USA), Constitution Day, September 17, is probably more important. This day celebrates the creation of the United States’ government in 1787 as outlined in the Constitution.

If you listen to the news or follow social media, you know that what is and what isn’t “constitutional” creates heated debate, but that very debate is protected by the Constitution-and that’s something to celebrate.

The day is also called Citizenship Day, another concept that is being debated now. I wrote this post about attending a naturalization ceremony, which I found profoundly moving and inspiring.

9/11/2001

One of the darkest days in United States history, as well as the rest of the world is September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. A possible attack on the White House was averted when private citizens caused their hijacked plane to crash in rural Pennsylvania. The country and the world have not been the same since. Read about that historic day here.

Remembering and reading about September 11, 2001

Even though the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States happened long ago, there are still lessons to remember and to learn. This post highlights some of the literature that preserves that knowledge.

Exploring the HEART of health

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