First we went to Olivia's classroom. We had heard her teacher was very tall and loves to play basketball. As soon as we walked in the teacher was greeted by another mom who said, "Do I know you? Did you play basketball?" So apparently they played on the same team in college. Anyway, the classroom is really nice and Olivia was just beaming. She loved looking around and seeing all the stuff on the walls. We found her name on one of the desks and the teacher gave her a sticker. I'm glad that she is so excited about starting school. I got surprisingly emotional as we walked into her classroom- I have been looking forward to this day for YEARS! Don't worry, the feeling passed quickly, and I was once again glad that she has finally reached this milestone.
Next we went to Austin's classroom, at the opposite end of the building. His teacher is so adorable. She's like a cute cuddly bunny from a Disney movie. She had creative stuff all around the room, which was really impressive since the teachers only got into the school on Wednesday! Even these magnet letters spelling her name on the desk looked cute to me. Austin had a little note on his desk and a candy welcoming him to her class. She had a little "get to know me" paper for them to fill out and already had a sign up for moms to come and help with various class parties, etc.
She seems very organized which is polar opposite from Austin's teacher last year who was like your favorite 60 year old aunt, but should not be running a 1st grade classroom. She was very sweet, but organization is not her strength. I think we got Ms. Organization this year. I just think kids work alot better when there is structure and order, isn't that like, sort of important in a classroom? Maybe it's just me...
On the first day of school, Austin was Mr. NonChalant, acting like it was any ordinary day. He didn't want to wear new clothes and he reluctantly posed for a photo as he walked out to the bus. Over the past 2 weeks, however, I have seen that he's been acting a little nervous and even said, "School is dumb". I think he's worried about a new school, new friends, new teacher, etc., I don't blame him, he's only 7 (going into 2nd grade), and a new school is a big deal.
Thankfully, he came home happy from his first day, although I noticed he hugged me a little tighter than usual. Apparently he had lots of fun playing a game to learn more about his classmates and he came home with a little note saying "You're a star" and it had a Starburst on it. I love newbie teachers! He had a homework folder with one side labeled "Keep at Home" and the other side said "Return to School". You'd think this is pretty standard, but he never had anything so orderly last year. I am liking the changes.
Speaking of changes, Austin elected to do Track B this year, which means he doesn't start school until 9:15 and gets out at 3:15. He is not a morning person, so I gave in and let him choose thinking it will probably work better for me too. So far, I love it! I think I will be even more pleased with this change once winter comes and it's so dark in the morning. One thing I really like is that Olivia will get to ride the bus in the morning with him. They get picked up at 8:45- how good is that?! I got back from my run today at 7:15 and didn't even have to wake him up for another 30 minutes. (notice he is still asleep at that time) So on days I have a long run, I can still squeeze it in before I have to get them ready for school. Nice.
Olivia doesn't start until Monday. Today we had an assessment with her teacher. While we were there, I noticed the names of a few kids she knows from preschool, so I think she'll settle in very quickly. She keeps asking me "How many more days, Mom?" I can't believe my Olivia is ready to ride the bus! I guess this day always seemed so far away that I never really prepared myself for it. As I was thinking about that, I realized Ashley doesn't start until Fall 2011. Now that seems far away!
10 comments:
Hip Hip Hooray for school days! I love this time of year the kids are actually happy to go to school and it looks like your kids have a great new school to go to. I'm with Austin -- sleep in when ever you can!
A brand new school how cool. It looks so pretty and nice. I am so happy that Austin has an organized teacher this year I remember your pain from last year.
Hooray for good teachers and organization! And hooray for the school bus -- it seems dumb, but I get so tired of driving and picking up from school.
Isn't it the best! I love watching them go & then my very favorite is having them come to me at the end of the day with all the stories about their day!
Tiffany starts preschool tomorrow... She is so excited too!
I loved organized teachers!!!! Tiago's teacher gave him the same homework folder and he loves showing me everything he did during the day.
Austin's attitude seems way beyond his years. I'm glad all went well for him, it will be fun to be at a beautiful new school with fun, young teachers.
We're still looking forward to our first days of school. The anticipation is killing us. The kids are so excited. Both new schools for them. I'm the apprehensive one.
Great that Austin's teacher is so organized. It makes all the difference!
How exciting to have two kids in school (and maybe a little bittersweet?) Harrison doesn't start until Sept 2nd, still a week and a half away. What is up with that? I'm just hoping the baby comes before he starts so the adjustment isn't too crazy.
If you have any good/fun ideas for lunch packers, please post!
New school,,,how fantastic! Our school is 60 years old and they just had the bathrooms remodeled this summer (private I might add).
I always get excited about the first day of school, its just so much fun watching the children and the parents as well (actually sometimes its humorous).
Esther
I hope he starts loving school.
A looks so darling in the next post. She is quite the doll!
watch out 2011 will be here before you can turn around. glad everyone is getting started on a good foot. I agree that organization is really important which typically includes good communication with home.
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