‘Tis the season of hours, bleeding into days and ultimately creating weeks.

Ah yes, the glory, hustle and bustle of the end of the school year. For a handful of our readers this topic means nothing … or does it? You see, for the next three weeks my e-mail, in box and voicemail will be filled with ‘heads up’ notifications from teachers, administrators, parents and grandparents informing me of ‘must see’ events.

For those I miss, there will be follow up phone calls and e-mails with photos and info for consideration. It is that time where I am no longer searching campuses for interesting items for our readers. It is rather the time when I stand in our Editor’s office pitching which of my pile of submissions ‘must’ make it into this week’s paper. Also known as the time her phone rings with callers concerned about all the coverage of education and sports. Yes, those calls come, not everyone cares about our youth, but we do.

One lone reporter, four elementary schools, a junior high and a high school and that’s just in the city limits. Words will never completely properly express my gratitude to the teachers and staff of Valley Home and Knights Ferry for keeping us updated on all the events I miss due to time constraints.

Please, don’t misunderstand, I am not venting or complaining. To the contrary, I’m simply sharing my recognition of the events yet to come that I know I won’t make as I try to divide and conquer as many as possible.

It’s no secret, I love my beat. I love being the lady from the paper who shows up to capture moments and speak with the students. This space after all holds the name ‘Mommy Musings.’ I consider myself one of the most fortunate moms in the 95361 as I get to witness students transition from self-absorbed young ones, to community involved young adults. It’s a good gig, until the aforementioned and you realize you won’t make it all. Yeah, that’s tough. Sort of like the field trip your child really wants you present at, only to learn all the chaperone seats are taken. It happens.

There’s also the other work happening, that our readers may not realize. As our staff of five hustle to fill the pages of our three newspaper publications, we are also working on the 209 Magazine. As luck would have it (insert wink here) our magazine deadlines fall right smack dab in the middle of the end of year hustle and bustle.

More truth, we each love the magazine and the opportunity it gives us professionally. To step out of our respective coverage areas and offer our readers a broader reading experience. But oh yes, we are hustling.

So, on behalf of myself the Education Reporter, please accept my heartfelt apology. I know pre-school graduations are important, as are awards ceremonies. I understand your grandchild may not earn the same honor last year they did this year and yes, I know it matters. Rest assured, I am not standing at my desk throwing darts at an activity board filled with end of year events. I am, however, bopping to as many locations as possible, writing some notes, snapping a few photos and trying to bring it back to life.

The blessing is our school district is abundant in excellence and passionate people. The curse, well there truly isn’t one, just one lone girl dancing as fast as she possibly can.

Thank you in advance to your patience and understanding. Now, time to get to the junior high … or is it Cloverland … no, no, it’s Fair Oaks, right?

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 847-3021.