Kindergarten Here I Come!

Yesterday our county held a "kindergarten round-up" at all the area elementary schools. Josh and I took Abby. She was very excited - she had been counting down the days all week.

First we met the kindergarten teachers. There are 4 and each typically has 15-20 students per class. The class rooms were very nice. The rooms were packed with activities, audio-visual equipment, computers, artwork, etc. It was exactly what I pictured it would be. Abby liked that each desk had a nameplate with that student's name on it and a basket of school supplies.

The teachers gave her a "goodie bag". Its contents were:

• pencil
• beanie baby
• pamphlet on "No Child Left Behind"
• pamphlet on literacy
• pamphlet on preparing kids for school
• list of things to work on for kindergarten (raising hand, not interrupting, etc.)
• blue t-shirt that reads "Watch Out Kindergarten Here I Come"

Next we took Abby to have a language/speech assessment . She seemed really comfortable and didn't have any problem with it.

We went to the gymnasium next and met the principle. The kids played on an inflatable bouncer while we talked. She has been at this elementary school for 20+ years and actually lives near some of our friends. She was wonderful and I feel really great about her being in charge.

Then we took Abby to the cafeteria. She walked through the lunch line and met one of the cafeteria workers. She gave Abby a breakfast box (pre-packaged cereal, juice). Abby was very happy to see that the cafeteria sells apple juice boxes.

So that was our tour of the school. Overall Josh and I were inpressed. Being in a rural community, we weren't really sure what to expect. The school was in good shape and clean. The library was beautiful - I hope Abby gets alot of enjoyment from that. It seemed that the school had everything to provide a good learning environment.

Now it is up to Josh and I to provide a good learning environment at home and help her understand the importance of doing well in school and getting an education.

Big Changes

I am having a rough week... My daughter is growing up and there is nothing I can do about it.

This past Saturday she was the flowergirl at my brother's wedding.




It was a pretty large wedding and she did not know most of the people there. I thought she might be nervous, she might need some support from mom. Not a chance. She stayed with the bridemaids and did just what the coordinator told her. At the reception, she danced with her aunt and uncle and she got her own food from the buffet table. Not once did she need mom for anything.



Today we went to register her for kindergarten. In the elementary school office, she proudly announced to everyone "I am a new student!". We filled out her paper work and Abby even had to sign a few things. She signed her name to a Cafeteria rules contract and an internet usage contract. She was excited. To be honest, I was nauseous.



So what is the big deal? Josh and I have had lengthy discussions about this. Abby is a free spirit. She digs for worms, sleeps with panties on her head, prank phone calls her daddy, wears stocking caps in the summer and wears her pants backward on purpose. This is her "school registration" outfit. She also wore polka dot tennis shoes.


Our biggest fear about school is that through the influence of other children and teachers, Abby will lose some of her individuality. We are afraid that she will be told and shown that being different is not a good thing. Josh and I are still working on how to deal with the influence others will soon have on our child.

Many homeschool friends have told me that one of the greatest things about homeschooling is that their children where able to be as different as they wanted to be and felt no pressure to change. I have begged Abby to let me homeschool her, but she wants to experience school. Josh and I have agreed to let her have that experience. I know she will do well - it is just me I am worried about!

So the saga continues...
Tommorow Abby goes to the dentist to have two of her baby teeth removed. The dentist has reassured me that her permanent teeth are close behind. But how that can be? She is my baby. There is no way she can be ready for permanent teeth. What a week.