First Day of School...At a NEW School

Our kid's first day of school was more traumatic than it was anticipated to be. Here's why....

Last Spring we checked into the charter schools in the area because we felt our kids were missing out on some vital parts to their education in the traditional public school here. We preferred that our kids didn't miss out on instruction in the arts (art class & music classes) which have been stripped from public schools here. We also desired the opportunity for them to have leveled reading, spelling and math classes (where they are taught according to what level they are on and not according to what grade they are in). And finally, we are a fan of school uniforms (especially for those middle school years). We found a charter school (K-8) in the neighboring town (10-15 min drive) which had great scores on testing and all the things we felt our kids were missing out on. We talked to the kids and they agreed that they'd like to go there. We tried to get in, but ended up being put on a waiting list. Well, the Monday night before school started (on Wednesday), we got an email saying that all 3 of our kids had gotten into the charter school off the waiting list. We prayed about whether or not to go ahead and make the change because we knew this would be quite the upheaval...because it was not what we were expecting to do and it was such short notice. We felt it was the right thing even though it'd be hard for a bit. So we broke the news to our kids over pancakes the day before school began. There were quite a few tears and fits from our oldest, who's going into 6th grade, and our middle child was slightly worried about it. Our youngest didn't really care because she was only beginning school in kindergarten. We had to rush out and find school uniforms that day and go to the new school and meet teachers etc. Many prayers and a lot of tears later, the first day of school arrived and the kids were sent off. They each had an alright first day, but our oldest broke down in tears again that night. We kept praying and our prayers were answered...the kids are now adjusting and even enjoying the new school. Our oldest is still having a hard time with certain things, but he loves his band class (he chose to play the baritone after many tears and fits about having to be in a music class). We see improvements each day and just pray that they can adjust and thrive quickly.

We haven't downloaded the good individual pictures we took at the house that morning yet. But here's one in front of the school sign. Mr. Frown had a smile on his face until we got to the school. Poor kid. He's moved schools 4 times in 6 grades.

Taking our kindergartner out to her favorite restaurant after her first day at school. It was nice to have one happy child in all of this.