I thought she was so brave. The day before I started them in school, I went and got them registered, and we walked both Michaela's A days and B days so she would be familiar with them. She didn't seem nervous for her first day, she was excited to meet new people. The only thing that showed she was nervous was that she not only let me walk her inside, but actually let me walk her to her first class. I think this was because we were late getting there, and there wasn't any kids in the halls. It was still sweet, though. I felt for her, I know exactly what it is like to enter a new Jr. High in a new state. Scary. But she did good.
Payden was pumped to go as well. The day before they started, I took them clothes and supply shopping, and took them out to lunch. I think this helped them feel more prepared for entering new schools.
Payden was excited because they had lockers. It is unusual to start your kids when school is already in. They have year round elementry here, and the track Payden and Ava are on had already been in session for one week. We missed orientation, back to school night, and all those other things that help the kids feel prepared. Poor Payden even got lost looking for the bathroom in school. To her credit, it is a VERY large elementary.
They also have computers at all the desks, but Payden got "stuck" with a laptop because she wasn't expected. She was a little put off by this, but I reminded her that seating changes in class frequently, and she will get a "real" computer soon enough!
And last but not least, Ava started kindergarten this year. I am glad we moved, because back in Idaho they went to full day kindergarten this year, and Ava would have struggled with that. Here it is half day, every day, with early release every Friday. She couldn't wait to go to school. She wasn't worried at all; she was thrilled that it was finally her turn to go to big girl school! She is a fit thrower, as many of you know, and I had been telling her to not throw fits in school, no one here knows she does that, she can start over, etc. Then I said something I wish I could take back; I told her that the kids might not like her if she throws fits. I was trying to save her from being teased, but this introduced the idea that she might not be liked, and then she started worrying about that. I reassured her that the kids would like her, she is very likeable, she just needs to not throw fits. Gosh, I hate it when I make mistakes like that. Anyway, we got past that and she was ready for her first day of big girl school!
I was having a hard time thinking about leaving her here, in a new school where I didn't know anyone.
She looks so tiny, but so big at the same time!
My fears were lessened when I met her teacher, and she and Ava hit it off right away. Just look at how Ava is looking at her! We got there a few minutes before her teacher, and Ava had a chance to look around the classroom. She was so excited and kept pointing things out to me, saying she couldn't wait to use that, and that, and that.
Here is how I left them, going out to get the other kids. Her teacher really made her feel welcome and safe. The next day when I dropped her off, she ran right up to her like she missed her! It was so cute, as they walked out, her teacher looked down at her and said, "Aww, what a cute little face you have!" I am glad she will love my little girlie.
1 comment:
Your girls look so pretty! How exciting and scary to start school and a new school. I think they all, including you, are very brave. Hope all is still going wonderfully for them, as I am sure it is.
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