We just can't resist. The back-to-school pictures are too much fun!

Whether ice cream and popsicle socials, or pool parties for the big kids, groups all over Lake Highlands began hosting students last week to prepare for Monday's return to school.

Late last week, volunteer groups at Merriman Park and Moss Haven served their students cool treats and warm welcomes.

"We were melting like the popsicles," said Amy Mina, preschool liaison at MPE, "but it was a fun event for the whole family."

At Merriman Park, the PTA sponsored tradition aims to bring new kindergarten students and their families together just prior to the big first day.

A similar event at Moss Haven Elementary – full of friendly, familiar faces – helped ease the Monday morning transition for first-time students and parents.

For the big kids, socializing and saying goodbye to summer took place poolside.

7th grade girls from Lake Highlands Junior High, as well as the incoming 9th graders from the Lake Highlands Freshman Center, enjoyed meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones in anticipation of Monday's trek to a new campus.

Underwritten by 13 LHFC families, over 100 incoming freshman enjoyed a pool party at the Knights of Columbus pool last week before entering the brave, new world of high school classes.

"The smiles on their faces showed how much they enjoyed their waning days of summer," said parent Kelley Hurst.

And now the best part... all the great pictures!

Take a look at the LH Today Photo Gallery for a snapshot of the end-of-year celebrations and first day back at school.

We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Want to submit your photo, too? Send them our way at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Have a great school year, Lake Highlands!

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Our thanks to Tori Cohorn and Kelley Hurst from contributing to this story, and to all the proud parents who shared their photos with us.