The Wake-Up Call: Back to School, Safety Town

It's Monday, and for some Elk Grove youngsters that means the start of a new school year, while others are heading off to camp to learn about staying safe. What are your whippersnappers doing today? Let us know in the comments section.

Inside the Patch:

. While learning about poison prevention, bicycle tips and other safety topics doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs, the 's Safety Town program for five-year-olds delivers its lessons through songs, games, and hands-on activities like exploring a fire truck and school bus. The two-week camp runs for two-and-a-half hours each weekday starting today at Ellen Feickert Elementary School. Registration is officially closed, but department spokesperson Chris Trim said drop-ins who pay the $25 registration fee will probably be accomodated.

Back to school, already? It's that time again for students at the 12 elementary schools in the that follow a year-round schedule. Kids in tracks B, C and D will be hitting the books starting today. But don't feel too sorry for them; they'll enjoy long breaks during the fall, winter and spring while the rest of us are slaving away. Have a great school year, everyone!

Outside the Patch:

Someone is feeling the heat...just not us. While the Elk Grove area has been experiencing mild, autumn-like temps over the past week, the midwest is in the grip of a heat wave that forecasters say is not likely to end anytime soon. Major cities are keeping cooling centers open to help residents cope with days on end of humid, 100-plus-degree weather. (The mercury is set to climb here, too, but later in the week, hitting the low 90s on Wednesday and Thursday.)