And They're Off... To School

The 2011-2012 school year started like no other. Before the girls even got into thier classrooms we had used 2 "snow days" thanks to Hurrican Irene. That same week I got a confirmation email about our trip to Florida which is to start right after the school year ends. It is the first time I have ever worried about running out of snow days in August. We had packed the backpacks a week ahead of time because we took a late beach vacation and we were going start the year a bit rushed. But Irene brought us home early. Everyone of the girls was excited to go back to school, they were all eager to see their friends and get back into the routine. Megan had been more calm about the start until she went to a mani/pedi party the day before class was to start. She saw her friends and the excitment kicked in. She was ready and looking forward to it.

During the summer we had been staying up late and getting up late so I was worried about our school mornings. The widespread power outages gave us an extra day to ease back to earlier schedules. Em was happy to not be up at 6:30 on Monday, but then they canceled school again on Tuesday. Emma was dissappointed "I just want to get started." she said. Rachael is usually anxious about big changes but even she was able to sleep the night before. By Wednesday the novelty of the 1st day of school had worn off and they were excited but not in the same giddy nervous way. The morning went well. Em was ready and had plenty of time for pictures before she caught the bus. Rachael and Megan were also ready with plenty of time. Rae had been holding onto her new Nacho Hippo t-shirt and was happy to wear it on the first day but then she had to put on her shoes. Whatever anxiety she was holding onto came out as she cried about her socks, took them off, put them on, and tried 3 other pairs. She stayed in our front yard, right until the bus came rumbling up our street, but because we had the time she was again composed and ready for the day. A big plus this year is that they moved the bus stop to our street. I can see the bus stop from the front door and we won't have any doubt if it has come by or not.

Back at home Bridget moped around and cried when I dropped her off at Becky's house. It is hard to be left behind and especially this year because her best bud Sarah was also off to kindergarten. Bridget was looking forward to going to pre-school but she had 2 more weeks to wait. That first week she had a seires of accidents and was sad. Then ballet class started, we went to the library story time, and counted down to Pre-school. Bridget adjusted, the accidents stopped, and then yesterday it was her turn.

I brought her to the 1st day of pre-school. She stood in line with the other kids and parents until they rang the bell. She was quiet and watchful but also eager. She found her name and put her snack bag in it's place without any problems. She was comfortable when I left withthe parents for our paperwork meeting. It was only an hour but she loved it and is looking forward to Friday.

I am hopeful for this big year. Emma is in 8th grade and has 2-3 hours of homework each night. It will be a rigorous year but also full of social and fun activities. Rachael is also big kid on campus as a 5th grader in her school and she loving the mental challenge. Megan has been positive about her schoolwork and classmates. She is getting used to regular homework. She flies through math without help and works hard on her reading. We are starting to settle into our routines.

All four of them are learning and growing and I am so proud of the students that they are.