There are so many emotions leading up to this day. I’m so proud that my Lauren is starting her first day of kindergarten. She is so ready, so bright, so gregarious, so friendly. I just know she’s going to love it. She’s ready to fall in love with her teacher, and ready to read. As a parent, you don’t mention it out loud that often, but you are just so in love with your children. She was perfect on her first day: she got a good night’s sleep, Grandma Joanne ironed her favorite horse dress so it was crisp, she picked her perfect headband, and we headed out with her brand-new rainbow owl backpack.
Her gait was nervous. “What if there aren’t any girls in my class?” she asked me. Her shoulders were hunched, and she walked tentatively into class. But thankfully, her teacher, Mrs. Vesey, is an old pro—warm, firm, clear in her directions—you know she means business, but is reasonable and kind. Within 15 minutes, Lauren was kissing my hand goodbye (her teacher read The Kissing Hand to start class), and the kindergartners were off.
So, there are a lot of emotions leading up to this day, right? Intermingled with pride, I have so much disappointment that we are in a new place, in a school we don’t know, with parents to whom I have no connection. There is no comfort for me here. This is not what I had planned.
On the first day, I am the only parent waiting outside the class without a big bag of supplies. Lauren doesn’t notice this, but I do. First thing I’m asked by Mrs. Hansen (teacher’s helper) when I walk in is, “Where are your supplies?”
“What supplies? She has a pencils,” I explain, worried I’ve done something wrong.
“The supplies from the list we sent in the summer.”
“Oh, I didn’t know about that list. We just moved here. We’re new.”
“Well, did you bring a lunch?”
“Were we supposed to bring a lunch?”
“That’s right, there were three of you. Hold on. Oh, are you planning on staying for the kindergarten orientation?”
“There’s an orientation? Right now? Um, of course I can stay.”
Now this exchange was perfectly cordial and professional, but I have to admit, it made my anxiety hit the roof. I knew she was in PM Kindergarten, but they’re supposed to bring a lunch? Shouldn’t someone have told me this? Is my daughter going to be the only one on the first day without a lunch or supplies? This is when, of course, Ryan decides he’s going to act up. My mind is racing and frantic, and Ryan decides he’s going to lay on the floor in front of the class and run in a circle on the floor (think The Three Stooges). Thank goodness kindergartners are clueless and none of them notice (but their parents did, I’m sure). I’m about to ask my mother-in-law to take him out of the room and I look back and I notice Rick walking in. He made it after all! I let out a huge sigh of relief and ask him to wave to Lauren and take Ryan home. He must have noticed my crazed eyes and just said, “Okay, Ryan, let’s go!” Among times that I’ve been grateful for my husband, this ranks among the top 3.
When I got home, I took a nap.
Well, this was a week ago Wednesday (8/27), and Lauren now has a bag of supplies, she turns in her homework, and she brings a lunch to school every day. Oh, and she loves kindergarten and her teacher.
Her gait was nervous. “What if there aren’t any girls in my class?” she asked me. Her shoulders were hunched, and she walked tentatively into class. But thankfully, her teacher, Mrs. Vesey, is an old pro—warm, firm, clear in her directions—you know she means business, but is reasonable and kind. Within 15 minutes, Lauren was kissing my hand goodbye (her teacher read The Kissing Hand to start class), and the kindergartners were off.
So, there are a lot of emotions leading up to this day, right? Intermingled with pride, I have so much disappointment that we are in a new place, in a school we don’t know, with parents to whom I have no connection. There is no comfort for me here. This is not what I had planned.
On the first day, I am the only parent waiting outside the class without a big bag of supplies. Lauren doesn’t notice this, but I do. First thing I’m asked by Mrs. Hansen (teacher’s helper) when I walk in is, “Where are your supplies?”
“What supplies? She has a pencils,” I explain, worried I’ve done something wrong.
“The supplies from the list we sent in the summer.”
“Oh, I didn’t know about that list. We just moved here. We’re new.”
“Well, did you bring a lunch?”
“Were we supposed to bring a lunch?”
“That’s right, there were three of you. Hold on. Oh, are you planning on staying for the kindergarten orientation?”
“There’s an orientation? Right now? Um, of course I can stay.”
Now this exchange was perfectly cordial and professional, but I have to admit, it made my anxiety hit the roof. I knew she was in PM Kindergarten, but they’re supposed to bring a lunch? Shouldn’t someone have told me this? Is my daughter going to be the only one on the first day without a lunch or supplies? This is when, of course, Ryan decides he’s going to act up. My mind is racing and frantic, and Ryan decides he’s going to lay on the floor in front of the class and run in a circle on the floor (think The Three Stooges). Thank goodness kindergartners are clueless and none of them notice (but their parents did, I’m sure). I’m about to ask my mother-in-law to take him out of the room and I look back and I notice Rick walking in. He made it after all! I let out a huge sigh of relief and ask him to wave to Lauren and take Ryan home. He must have noticed my crazed eyes and just said, “Okay, Ryan, let’s go!” Among times that I’ve been grateful for my husband, this ranks among the top 3.
When I got home, I took a nap.
Well, this was a week ago Wednesday (8/27), and Lauren now has a bag of supplies, she turns in her homework, and she brings a lunch to school every day. Oh, and she loves kindergarten and her teacher.
9 comments:
WOW! That was quite the story. It kind of reminds me of my first day of High School. My mom was a wreck. I will have to tell you the story sometime. How cute that Kindergartener's across America are reading the same book! Justin was sent home with this book at registration & of course his teacher read it to him on his first day too. Miss you! Keep on blogging!
So glad Lauren is loving kindergarten. Wow! What a start. I totally feel for you. Even though I a am not some place new..I don't know a Mom in Justin's class either and miss the connection with the other moms. All in due time I guess...everything can't be like our co-op. Miss you! My comment exactly 'who has time to blog!' Thanks for finding the time.
Oh Julie! Quite a story...I'm so glad you are blogging...I really look forward to reading about the 4 of you! When O starts Kindergarten, I'll try to remember to drink a few Margaritas before...YIKES! Miss you and CONGRATS to Lauren for a fabulous start!xooxox
Yikes Julie!
I didn't realize how traumatic Lauren's first day was for you! Anna's went really well, I hope she is doing okay I can't (as usual) get anything out of her. I guess she doesn't hate it, and maybe in a few months she will tell me what they are up to in there.:)Miss you!
What a day! I love the picture of you and Lauren. You look great. Tell Lauren we are proud of her!
Julie, What an experience! Your description of it is so precise and I can imagine myself being there with you! I wish that some of us were there to help you through the rocky road you're on! But, you're a trooper and I just know how wonderful you will do in your new home! MIss you!
Thanks for the blog, Julie! I look forward to more info about Camario and your life there.
I, too, took a long nap on Chloe's first day of Kindergarten last year. I collapsed--I didn't know how emotionally charged it would be for me, you know? This year on the first day of 1st grade I was prepared for the emotional "crash" and I ran errands by myself for four hours. It was therapeutic for sure!
We miss you! MMCL
Shared your blog with Grandma tonight, along with Rick's pics, and Ryan's first day of preschool. All very touching.
As I said in my email, your friends and family will really appreciate your efforts. Keep it up kiddo! Thanks so much.
Love to you, Rick, and kids.
Lovely! I have to say that kindergarden in Camarillo is FAR superior to certain public school programs here in D.C.....say, the local pre-school program that Ben started a few weeks ago. I made it four days. At that point I said something to the principal about how they were not providing an appropriate environment for small children, and a week later Ben is happily enrolled in the same private program his big brother attended 4 years ago. That big brother is now attending public school in Georgetown. Wonderful school--the principal knows Jesse's name. She knew he was sick last week and that he lost a tooth. And Jesse has classmates that speak Czech! Cool!
Loved the vibe of everything in the blog, dear. It's clearly a place to be happy.
Post a Comment