Too Cool for School

Okay, so I know that Erin looks really tall in this picture and she probably is, but I think I'm in denial. It's hard to believe that I have a 6th grader. Next year, junior high. This year however, was the year I dreamed about when I was pregnant with Jack.... all of them in school, if not all full-time.

We had such a fun summer that I wasn't quite ready for school to start. But things have a way of working themselves out. Mid-August I wasn't ready, and a week later, I so was! The girls have started to bicker about everything and it's enough to drive me to drink. Taking each others clothes and passing off responsibility... it's killing me.

Before we get to the actual day, a couple of pre-school events. First the MAC Barbecue.

Last year, Erin started in a program called MAC at her school. MAC stands for Multi-Age Classroom. Basically, there is a 1,2,3 grade split (the Mini-MAC) and a 4,5,6 grade split (the Big MAC.) This program has been a godsend for Erin and we have loved being involved with it. Well, they like to have a back-to-school barbecue for students, their families and the teachers and their families. We eat, we play, we get to know each other. Since I'm a big proponent of the program and friends with the teachers thanks to my stint as PTA President, I find myself in charge of this. Park reserved, food assignments made and beef brisket for 150 people. It was a lot of fun to have this party and to watch Erin with her friends. Being the oldest in the school this year, it's amazing to watch the leader she has become. She always goes out of her way to include others and is so fun to be around (if you're not her mother!)

The next before school event is Allie's Spectrum Orientation. We go, meet her teacher for the year... get the teacher's disclosure (sounds a lot like college, huh?), volunteer for classroom assignments and see friends. Allie is a hugger and watching her see all her school friends is like watching some cheesy 80's high school movie; they run together, they hug and they squeal. She is so different from me, but so alike it's strange sometimes. Her teacher this year, Mrs. Braegger, is a real go-getter. She has those kids going, but Allie loves everything.

Now to the first day of school.... One of the things I LOVE about my neighborhood is the fun little events we have throughout the year. One of my very favorites is Back-to-School morning. We all get together at one house for breakfast and then walk to school together. This year was my turn to host and it was so much fun. I made German Pancakes (thanks Heather) and scrambled eggs (what else?) Everyone else brings something to share. We take pictures and chat and then we're off. Here are the awesome pictures...

We had so much fun. Then we were off to school. Matt took Allie to her first day at Centerville Elementary, and Will and I walked Erin AND Jack to their first days of school at JA Taylor Elementary. It is so fun to watch the kids on their first day of school. They are so excited.

Without further ado, here are the individual stories. First, my big boy Jack. So excited for his first day of "Big Kid School" at Erin's school. He is in Mrs. Oborn's class with his friends Nate, Landon, Clare and Arden. They will have a great year.

Jack and his best buddy Nate about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

The first day of kindergarten.

Waiting for the principal to welcome everyone to school. Notice that my little guy still likes to suck his thumb when he's nervous. Maybe I'm a bad mom, but I still think it's so cute.

They're singing the school song. Jack's looking at Nate, like he knows the words. They got every third or fourth word a couple of beats late, but it was priceless.

Looking at this picture, do you think Jack is used to having adults undivided attention?

Here he's explaining something to his teacher and his entire class on the rug.

Jack is having to remember all the stuff he learned in preschool, like how to form his letters and write his name the "school way."

Jack and Clare eating their treat inspired by Chicka-Chica-Boom-Boom. A note about these two.... because their mothers have both been heavily involved in the PTA,

these kids think that there's nothing off-limits to them at the school.

Time will tell how they do with boundaries and they're established.

The day after the first day of school, we went for Jack's kindergarten evaluation. Mrs. Oborn asks him about letters, numbers, shapes and colors and some basic math. When he gets to the math portion, the teacher reads him a problem that goes something like this;

"Mary had three apples and then found two more, how many apples does Mary have?" Jack answers five and then the teacher goes onto the next problem. As she starts to read her "story," Jack raises his hand and says "I'm good, I don't need any more of your stories." Ughhh. This little bugger has no confidence issues. Fortunately for Jack, Mrs. Oborn has taught kindergarten for 30 years and has just about seen it all.

Jack has been riding his bike to school and is doing really well. He wears his helmet and walks it across the crosswalk just like he's supposed to. I really am so proud of him.

Next, my Allie-Bear. She's a big time 4th Grader. She is loving school. Mrs. Braegger is something of a task-master in the work department, but these kids love her. Allie has been having a ton of fun working on her ABC Geography and reading. We've only had a couple of math assignments since school started. I am so glad that she is enjoying herself so far this year. Happy students make a happy mommy and a happy home.

Oh my goodness, I think I may cry. It's so hard to believe that she's almost done with elementary school. She is the BMOC (Big Man on Campus). She is relishing being in-the-know about everything at school. She has some really good friends and is enjoying walking to school with them every day (honestly a first for us.) I have noticed that she's been really moody since school starts, almost in a worrisome way. I'm hoping that it's just a period of adjustment and that it will dissipate as the year continues. I'm not ready to face the fact that it might be hormones. She came home so excited on the first day to tell me that she's applying for the student council. She has to give a presentation and had to have someone write a letter of recommendation for her. Because I thought the letter was so sweet, and so true, I am including it here, if you'll pardon me.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in regards to Erin Pierce, who is running for student council at Taylor Elementary. I am so honored to write this recommendation.

I met Erin three years ago, when I moved into the area with my family. I have been impressed with how responsible, fun and enthusiastic she is about life. Just recently, I have had the opportunity to have Erin babysit our three children for an extended period of time. Here are just a few of the qualities I observed from Erin:

• Ready on time: I picked her up and she greeted me with a great big smile!
• Prepared: babysitting bag in hand, with several activities ready to go for each of my children.
• Friendly and Energetic: Erin walked into my house and immediately began talking to each of the children and asking about their interests and getting to know them. She also had them engaged in several activities and games while I was gone.
• Responsibility and Clean up: I was extremely impressed when I returned home and Erin had immediately started to put away all toys and items brought out during babysitting time. She even had my kids cleaning up with her!
• Considerate and Respectful: She demonstrated respect with my children by following their interests as well as with me as an adult, thanking me for the opportunity to help out!

Erin is an amazing person who, in my opinion, would accept this leadership position with ambition and with the interest of students and peers in mind. She is genuinely kind and friendly with and has an ability to stand up and take action. I look forward to seeing her as a role model for my two children who currently attend Taylor Elementary!

Good Luck Erin and Taylor!

Sincerely,

Alison Adams (mom of 3 and preschool teacher)

How proud am I? Erin is a wonderful girl who is full of spunk and is committed to making the world a better place; even if she doesn't clean her room :)

Here's hoping for a happy, healthy and productive school year.