It was a hazy beginning to the day. We loaded up, the entire family, to bid my son a good first day at his new school. It's a tradition for families to accompany their children on the first day. It's a twenty minute drive to the new school, one I wasn't sure I wanted to do every day, twice a day. And, when I realized that the two schedules of the kids at different schools were too different, even though the schools occupy the same campus, a carpool is not practical. I'd have to drive two ways each week regardless of carpooling. It's amazing what the view did to my spirit.
We got there and took the obligatory photo in front of the school, and then escorted my son through the gates where the headmaster was greeting every family as they entered. "Good morning," we said and made our way to the classroom. My son said, "He's a jolly man." He said it with conviction, he meant it, he was thrilled to be here. Then we met his teacher for the first time. The morning was hectic for her and at 7:30 the bell rang and we had to leave.
When my daughter and I came back later to pick up my son, we waited for the last class to arrive at the pick up loop, his class. He was walking next to the teacher, his favorite spot when he likes the teacher. He told us as we walked to the car that he thought she was just like Ms. Frizzle (Magic School Bus) and that she loves science and history. That is probably the highest compliment he could give her. Later, he mentioned that the headmaster had visited his classroom and that he still thought he was jolly.
Tonight, I'm feeling much relieved and at peace. It was so hard to make the choice to move my son from an excellent public school to a charter school that is well known for the academic intensive course of study and expectations of virtuous behaviour at all times. Time will tell, but I'm happy and contented with my choice right now. It was a good day.
