SUMMARY: Sending kids back to school is bittersweet—parents and children alike often feel the shift from summer’s relaxed pace to a structured routine. To ease this transition, families can create special traditions like one-on-one school shopping outings or last-minute local trips. Simple celebrations such as picnics, nighttime star gazing, or end-of-summer dances add joy. Families can also focus on kindness by setting weekly acts to share and keep a journal. Daily family devotionals are another meaningful tradition that many children remember fondly. Being intentional with these moments can make back-to-school a time everyone looks forward to.

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SUMMARY: As Mississippi kids prepare to return to school, the annual shopping for supplies can be both joyful and costly. A grandmother shares a memorable outing buying a sought-after water bottle for her granddaughter, highlighting the fun and expense involved. She acknowledges the challenge many families face in affording necessary supplies. Recognizing this, the United Way of Northeast Mississippi supports local students by providing backpacks and school essentials. In 2025, their Back 2 School Project shifted to bulk purchasing and direct school distribution, benefiting 58 schools with supplies like paper and pencils. Donations are still welcomed to help all students start school equipped.

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SUMMARY: Starkville, Mississippi, nestled in Oktibbeha County, was named the No. 1 Small Town to Visit in the South by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Known for its vibrant college-town energy, local shops, farm-to-table lifestyle, and natural beauty like the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, Starkville offers a unique blend of hospitality and charm. The award reflects nationwide votes praising its welcoming atmosphere and genuine Southern feel. Year-round events such as unWINE Downtown and Bulldog Bash energize the town, while quieter moments capture its warmth. With under 30,000 residents, Starkville stands out as a memorable Southern destination.

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