Paul’s request sums up the first day of school for both Megan and Paul. As I was tucking him into bed I asked Paul if he had any special things he wanted to pray about. He answered, “Pray for for morning to come quickly so that I can go to school again.”
The kids were eager to start the new school year yesterday. They were excited and understandably jittery too. Getting dressed into their required school uniforms took all of five minutes and then we still had an hour before school started. The school is literally a five minute walk up the hill from our house so there wasn’t much to do but wait.
Here are Megan and Paul in their school uniforms. This is the first year that this school has required uniforms. Both kids got new backpacks and new sneakers. Paul had his heart set on Skechers (he watches too many commercials) and I was fortunate enough to find a great deal. Phew. Paul was going to settle for nothing less. He had told me that Skechers would help him make new friends
Besides the uniform requirement there are other obvious differences between our former school in Romeo (MI) and our new school in San Diego (CA).
- Our new school is open year round; Romeo had a traditional September to June school year
- Paul’s Kindergarten class is all-day instead of half-day
- Both Megan and Paul have half days every Tuesday
- Teachers are on a two year class rotation (Paul’s Kindergarten teacher will be his 1st Grade teacher and Megan’s 2nd Grade teacher will be her 3rd Grade teacher)
- Our new school has an outdoor campus – the weather is much more agreeable here than in Michigan
- Our new school is ethnically diverse. The other students are Hispanic, African American and Vietnamese.
- Except for new backpacks, I didn’t have to purchase any school supplies
One thing that the kids are particularly excited about is lunchtime. Megan and Paul took advantage of the new school year to insist that they are too cool for lunches made by mom. I’m feeling unneeded.
Since Paul is entering Kindergarten he can’t compare his new school experience. He seems to have a nice teacher and a sweet group of kids in his class. The parents were acting like the paparazzi yesterday snapping photos left and right. It was rather entertaining.
Megan has a great attitude but she admits that it is hard to be the new kid in the class. There is only one other new student in her class. I’m praying that she will make friends soon. Megan is the type of person who is friendly to everyone but only gets close to a few. Sadly she left some great friends behind in Michigan. I’m very happy with Megan’s teacher. I think she is a great fit for Megan’s personality. My animal loving daughter is excited about the class tortoise. Megan can’t wait until it is her job to take care of it.
And myself? This is the first time that I’ve truly been alone during the day and I’m not sure what to make of it. I can hear the school bells from my living room so my thoughts are never too far away.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
That is so precious!! That 2-yr rotation is quite interesting. It’s a concept I haven’t heard about. I love hearing that your kids were happ to go to school, and they look beautiful in this picture!
Ah, the first year of freedom… and boredom! It took me two weeks to decide i couldn’t stay home anymore! I hope your job search goes well for you.
BTW, Both kids look adorable in their uniforms!
Wow that sounds like a wonderful school! I really wish our schools implemented uniforms.
The kids will like the 2 year rotation if they like their teachers. I had a couple teachers for 2 years along the way by chance and it was great for a shy kid like me. They ended up being a couple of my favorite teachers. They both remarked to my mother the 2nd year they had me how much more I talked in class than the previous year.
Just got off the Blog Train to pay you a visit…
Love the picture…and how wonderful that they are excited about school.
My kindergartener has to wear a uniform as well which is great, but I really like the idea of year-round school as well as the same teacher for 2 years. What great ideas!
Good luck and try not to miss your babies too much.
I love the photo! It sounds like all sails are set for a beautiful school year! Just as a side note… I was born in Benton Harbor, MI, where my Dad’s parents owned a farm, and I have wonderful memories of visiting MI. My Dad was also stationed in San Diego for 4 years, so I spent ages 5 – 9 attending school in La Mesa! I loved it! We then moved to New Hampshire for 4 years and then to Rhode Island, where I have been ever since! I now have 9 grandchildren, and I love the first exciting days of school! Love your post!
Wow…making new friends. Abbie was the “new kid” in 1st grade & God provided the perfect friend – the other “new kid” in her class. They hit it off day 1 & are still best buds. Praying for your kids…and for you as you put down new roots.