Aug 25 2008
Startin’ Kindergarten
(Note: Readers of “The Keys Are In It” may continue today with Part Eleven. Sorry this one has been so sporadic.)
Benjamin goes to his first full day of Kindergarten on Tuesday. We are at once giddy and glum.
Friday night we went for “meet the teacher,” wherein we participated in a reverse treasure hunt. The teacher handed each child a sheet of paper instructing his or her parents where to stack each of the school supplies they had brought, with explicit instructions not to put names on anything. We ultimately were allowed to put a few items in our child’s own box, but mostly the stuff we purchased ended up in the communal stacks.
Monday morning is kindergarten orientation, which lasts about an hour or so. Shannon and I will accompany Benjamin to that, but from there on out it’s all him.
In an area experiencing rapid population growth, driven largely by young families, the elementary schools are brand new and impressive. They feature state-of-the-art equipment and methods.
I admitted to Shannon that although I grew up in a good school district, I am a bit envious of the opportunities Benjamin will have here. That’s only a positive for us as his mom and dad, however, because we already are destined to be 48 and 51 years old, respectively by the time he graduates. We look forward to any and all preparation he gets for being on his own one day.
Not that I’m in a big hurry for that, of course. On that note, I leave you with a recent exchange between Benjamin and me.
Ben : Daddy, is your work fun?
Me : Some things about it are fun.
Ben : What parts?
Me : I like it when I solve a customer’s problems and make them happy.
Ben : You know what makes me happy?
Me : What, son?
Ben : When you spend time with me.
Me : That makes me happy, too.
Ben : Do you miss me when you’re at work?
Me : Yes, I miss you very much.
Ben : I miss you too, Daddy.
The first day of school is a big one for any child.. AND their parents!
Your little boy is growing up Mark.. right before your eyes.
Best of luck to Ben, and you two also!
I don’t think that could have been scripted better had they hired a team of writers with the sole mission of making you feel all warm and fuzzy. That’s wonderful, Mark.
Kindergarten already? I know I’ll be there before I expect, but this relentles march of time is really wigging me out of late.
I was chatting with one of our new neighbors last night ans she was describing her daughters 4th grade classroom. One computer per every two kids, smart boards, etc. I remember in 6th grade we had an Apple B.C on a rolly cart….the only one in the sixth grade wing. It moved from room to room so we kids could look at it and occasionally play “Oregon (You Died of Dysentery) Trail.” I’m so excited about what these kids will grow up knowing just by exposure. But I can’t help but wonder…how will they learn about dysentery?
Yikes! I’m a year away from that experience, and even the thought seems rather surreal. Heck… we better start looking at schools to register the boy in.
It’s a huge step, certainly, and one that we’re approaching with some trepidation, we’re also looking forward to it. Amy’s going to be able to work more once both boys are in school, and the level of independence they have will be fascinating to watch grow. You’ll be sure to tell us all of the most significant road blocks along the way, eh?
Oh, dear!
Brings back memories.
Wow, a huge day! At my kids school they were giving out Kleenex to parents as they dropped their kids off for the first day of school….I told them they could keep my pack for someone else! Hehehe. I cannot believe how fast time flies once they hit school age…it is like warp speed! I love the exchange you two had…..you will remember that always!
Well, it’s mixed emotions so far (for Benjamin and for Mommy, too). When I took him into the cafeteria this morning to line up with his class, as soon as he did so he turned to me and said, “Mommy, what are you still doing here?” That didn’t make me sad - I was happy that he was comfortable enough that he didn’t want/need me around. But when I went back up for lunch (they encourage parents to come help out & also spend some time with their kids), he ended up clinging to me saying he wanted to go home. Now THAT just about killed me! At the end of lunch, I delivered him to his teacher and sneaked out as fast as I could - I didn’t want any tears from either of us. Hopefully he’s already forgotten I was there and he’s enjoying his afternoon!