As educators, we know you're already well aware of this, but it kind of seems like about 50% of origin stories behind everyday phenomena are 100% made up. Example: How many times have you heard that "Ring Around the Rosie" was about the Black Plague in the 1300s? And then how surprised were you to see that the famous rhyme didn't actually appear on the sing-along scene until about, oh...500 years later? Yep, we were shocked, too. But if that one blew you away, you'd better sit tight for this next bomb—the beginnings of summer vacation did not stem from kids back in the day having to take off and help with the harvest. Whoa. 

The full details of the upper-class vacations and oven-like urban sprawl contributing to the months-long summer flight can be read right here—but after you've gotten an eyeful, consider the following... It's most likely to be more of a staycation situation with your TXGU kiddos, so why not help them keep focusing on how to harness their brainpower during the break (ideally in a place where heat exhaustion won't kick in)? UTEP Poyecto M.A.S.' Angry Birds Summer Camp sets a pretty great example—just like you do with your kids every day. Thanks for that! Go on and get that sno-cone, because you totally deserve it.