Moorpark students are back in class
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

After the long summer break, Moorpark parents say they look forward to reestablishing the back-to-school routine and not hearing the words: "I'm bored, what can we do?"

But parents also know how exhausting the school routine- accompanied by nonstop academic and afterschool demands- can be. Little room is left for family activities.

"The biggest back-to-school hurdle is getting back into the bedtime routine, eating dinner earlier, bathing and getting to bed at a decent hour," said Inge Barnhardt, who worked full time as a kindergarten teacher until her fourth child was born. She then worked part time for a few years but decided to take a leave of absence this school year to spend more time with her children.

"My kids are just getting older and they need me more than ever right now," said Barnhardt, whose children, Brady, 14; Emily and Tanner, 8; and Tyler, 4, are all involved in after-school sports and religious education.

But even while they're busy tending to the needs of their own families, many Moorpark parents make time to volunteer at school. Barnhardt is one such parent.

"As a kindergarten teacher I loved parent volunteers," she said. "They helped with preparing materials, filing, center time, etc. That way I could focus on my students and their specific needs." Barnhardt now plans to volunteer in her children's classrooms whenever she can.

Melissa Houlihan, mother of a fourth-grader and a high school freshman, is also ready for the new school year and another round of volunteering.

Houlihan has been heavily involved in her children's education and active in parent organizations that support local schools for many years. Since her son, Sean, is going to play football with the Musketeers this year, she's already been "sucked into helping with the Quarterback Club," she said.

"But that's what I want to do," said Houlihan, a stay-at-home mom. Sean, who will also play high school baseball, was a member of the 13-year-old Simi Youth Baseball League All-Stars that won the PONY World Series in July. Daughter Nicole has been dancing since she was 5 years old.

"Sports are very important along with academics. They provide an important physical outlet for kids,"