Angie is in a full-day Kindergarten program this year. Last year, as I think I mentioned, she struggled with frustration and behavioral issues throughout the day. As soon as her teacher and assistant would find a strategy that worked, she would change things up on them. By the end of the year, I was overwhelmed and wondered, honestly, if she could ever be successful in school. I could not imagine her enduring an entire day of school when she was struggling to stay in class for 3 hours.
I am not sure where that child went, but she has been replaced by a new, mature, ready-for-school Angie. Over the summer, Angie grew in so many ways and it was obvious that she had many new skills that would serve her well in school. Still, I worried. We planned for Angie to attend every day of school this week, while the other kids had a staggered start schedule. Our girl knocked it out of the park! She has not had one time-out all week and she comes home with reports of her day and her new friends. She amazes me, really. I have so much hope for this school year-my eyes actually are tearing as I write this.
Levi is also repeating the grade he was in last year. This was not a decision we made lightly. There were multiple meetings with school staff and all options were considered for him. We do not regret the decision, but as parents it is hard to see your child disappointed and worried. This summer, we talked with Levi about the benefits of repeating 6th grade and eventually he accepted that it was the best plan for him. But still. He was a trooper and on the first day of school he saw that many of his friends were in his class and he likes his new teacher a lot. I am not going to lie-we have had a really difficult summer with Levi and did not know what to expect because transitions of any kind are hard for him. The week had some bright spots, though. Levi has a new Personal Support Worker through Developmental Disability Services and this individual has proven to be an absolute Godsend. He and Levi have really connected and I think that he will play a key role in Levi's success at school. More about that later.
Josh is a freshman in high school this year. He has never played football in his life, and yet he decided that he would play this year. This decision was made one hour before practice started on the first day. That's my boy:) Mr. Last-Minute. If you tell him to be ready to go somewhere at 9AM, he will get out of bed at 8:59. Really, though, Josh is the kindest, gentlest young man I know and I cannot imagine him slamming his body into someone on purpose. And besides that, this momma is scared. He came home last night and reported that the varsity team had 3 injured players during the game last night. YIKES!!
It is good to be back in a routine. My kids need that and I can see them relax and thrive when they can predict what will happen next. Despite the anxiety of the first few days of school-and really the whole summer-I am feeling really hopeful about the year ahead of us. I have said it before, but it bears repeating: Our schools have an amazing, compassionate, skilled staff and I would not live anywhere else. We are grateful every day that our children are so well cared-for when we are away from us.
I hope you have all had a great back-to-school experience and are enjoying the sunny weekend.
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