First Day of School 2009-2010

B's and Mak's First Day of School

Monte Vista Elementary

It's hard to believe that my kids have been in school already for a week and a half. First week went down without too many hiccups. They seem to like it well enough. The hardest part is going cold turkey back to our "school schedule". I didn't prepare them, or myself, well enough for the "early to bed, early to rise" stuff, and it has proven to be quite challenging, especially getting three out the door this year.

Dakota has only been in school for two days (kinders started a week later to allow for interviews) and even she had a difficult time this a.m. It probably didn't help that they got to bed really late for a school night (but oh how much fun it is to play with all the girlfriends in the neighborhood...some of which are on different schedules because of year-round). On Dakota's first day, she awoke on her own right before 7 a.m. raring to go. This morning, I had to coax her out of bed. She said, "Mom, too bad I have to stay home today 'cuz I'm too tired. I can't even open my eyes." I told her staying home was not an option and that we would have to try harder to get to bed on time, even if they neighbors come calling. Throughout the morning she kept asking, "Do I look awake yet? Are my eyes still tired?" "Yes, my dear, you still look tired, " I'd reply. Finally, after cereal, she bounced up to me and said, "Mom, look I'm wide awake now (with her eyes opened wide and body standing straight and tall). "Wow, you look ready (not mentioning the dark bags still under her eyes)." She has fun riding on the bus and tells me all about her day when she comes home before lunch. She reports that they don't do snacks there.

Dakota - morning of kindergarten interview

Dakota and Mrs. Freestone

Dakota on her First Day of School sporting her new
Gymboree apple backpack that she is very fond of

Makenna was probably the one that was having the hardest time about starting school. She was really concerned about 2nd grade math and was so sure that the kids at the new school would already know their math well. When we arrived in her classroom on the first morning, she was hesitant to even sit down at her desk, because she saw numbers along her desk name tag. I assured her she'd be fine. We had heard through the grapevine, on account of some of the neighbor kids, that Mrs. Asay was mean. I was worried for Makenna. I assured her that I'm sure her teacher was very nice, too, but might be a little strict. She didn't know what that meant, so I explained that she probably has a lot of good class rules and as long as she follows them, she'll be happy. After meeting Mrs. Asay, I think Makenna felt better. She is very nice - a veteran teacher who knows her stuff and has been around a long time. She knows what she is doing. Makenna likes the playground and has found a friend from her church class who sits across from her in school. 2nd Grade is the year for a lot of homework and we are gearing up for that. Much is expected by her teacher, but I'm confident that this will be a good year for Makenna.

Makenna - 2nd Grader

Makenna and Mrs. Asay

Brooklyn's teacher is Ms. Romans - a second year teacher. (With the exception of Mrs. Thibault for kindergarten, Brooklyn has had either first or second year teachers every single year.) She seems fun and energetic, but the kids have been warned by older students, that you don't want to get her mad, or she'll yell. Brooklyn has not had to experience this yet, but has seen her get "tough" with one beligerant boy in the class. After hearing some of the stories, it makes me wonder where some of these kids learned their manners, if at all. What has happened to that respect for elders and teachers in our society? Anyway, I hope this boy doesn't ruin it for everyone else in the class. Brooklyn does not like to have her day interrupted by the boy's constant need for redirection and reminders. Other than that, Brooklyn is enjoying her 5th grade year so far and has found friends at school.

Brooklyn - 5th Grader

Ms. Romans and Brooklyn