Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Dinosaur School

Children are likely to live up to what you believe in them.
-- Ladybird Johnson


Yesterday, iKeith and I went to an informational meeting at a charter school that we might like the kids to attend. I've been dreading this day because it's the first step in me having to admit that my baby is growing up and will be going to Kindergarten soon.

I'm not ready to admit this. At all.

I expressed my apprehension to my husband as we were walking up to the school and he told me that I should be excited for this next step in our lives because it means more free time for me.

As I fought back tears...I told him that I should be, but I'm not.

We walked into the library, 10 minutes early and got the last two seats a tables that were in the center of the room. By the time the meeting started...there were at least 80 parents there and it was standing room only. (this is one of three meetings before open enrollment)

iKeith was irritated at the seats that I had selected....in the very front of the room. I explained to him that it showed that we were interested and serious....not the slacker parents at the back. Speaking of slackers...we had to sign in and write down what grade we were interested in. Ten people signed ahead of me and they all shorted the word to KINDER. I don't do things half assed so I wrote to WHOLE word. KINDERGARTEN. Our table ended up being the sign in table and everyone wrote the whole word after I did. I thought this was kind of funny.

Thoughts on the school:


They have excellent test scores. As in, damn near perfect! They do whole class teaching with no ability groups. Keith thought their slide presentation was horrible. They have a great art and music program. If a student is falling behind, they pull them out for extra instruction. 70-76% is a D. Last year 270 students applied for 40 available slots. The school is small. It's picked by a random lottery. If by some miracle, Alex gets selected...then Mallory automatically gets to go when she starts school.

Do you feel lucky?  I don't.

We walked around the school peeking in and observing classrooms and I had to leave.  I'm so not ready for this yet! Also...you could smell the competitiveness on all of the parents in that room.   We were all checking each other out...wondering if we'd end up in the PTA together in a year or if we'd be one of the one's who aren't going to make the cut.

When we picked the kids up from Nana's house, Alex asked how the Dinosaur School was and when he could start!  HA!  And then it hit me.  Damn Nana is moving to California and now I won't have anyone to watch Mallory so I can volunteer at the school!  This is what I'm going to call her now.  Damn Nana.

Alex starts school in 9 months, 5 days (and 37 minutes as I'm writing this).  I've got to get a grip here!  I can't sit here crying every single time I think about him going to school.  Keith just laughs at me and tells me I act like I'm sending him to boarding school...or to the Army.  OH GOD ALEX DON'T GO TO THE ARMY!

I need more Ativan.

You're little hands wrapped around my finger
And, it's so quiet in the world tonight
You're little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So, I tuck you in
Turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I had, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It can stay this simple

I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, and never grow up 

~ Taylor Swift

13 comments:

  1. Hugs, Connie! I'm sure it will go well and that you'll both adjust in no time at all.

    You and M will have some extra time together :)

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  2. Just know, that you are not alone and we all have gone through this.

    It is so so so hard to let go.

    Trust me. I know.

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  3. I'm so glad to know that I am not the only one who hates my kids going to school.
    My youngest starts kindergarten next year. I'm SOOOO not ready. I will bawl. Big time. :(

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  4. Sweetie! Let me just get in one more plug for homeschooling. You can do it! It's great and you don't have to get up early and wait in the freezing cold for the bus!

    If you are not ready, or you don't win the lottery, then think about it. I will boss you, I mean help you.

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  5. I won't lie. It is so, so hard. But we have to do it. And it is good for him.

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  6. It was when my son started Kindergarten that I decided to make a huge career change...after working as a legal assistant for 18years, I became an elementary school teacher. I agree, it is hard to watch your little ones grow. By the way, I would question whether you are interested in sending your son to a school that only teaches whole class with no ability groups.

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  7. Just realized our kids will start kindergarten at the same time! At this point I think I am a little more prepared (ready) for it...but I know it will be another adjustment for all of us.

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  8. They do grow up - and it is hard - but it is so fun to see the excitement on their little faces and the fun that they have each day. It really is fun for them...think of it that way and it is easier to swallow.

    ~Becca

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  9. You are going to be fine. So is Alex. So is Mallory. So is Damn Nana and iKeith. It will all sort itself out with the school thing. Think of it as another layer of experiencing something new and fabulous through the eyes of your child.

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  10. why did I chose 1/2 day Kindergarten, love being with my children. Plain and simple. You'll adjust, but it's not easy. Best of luck, open enrollment is a real heart racer.

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  11. We can cry tears together next fall - as I will be sending Mads to UPK. I am so not ready. I get extremely weepy just thinking about it.

    Good luck! I hope you get a spot.

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  12. I'll cry with you and my sister (as the smidget is going to UPK in the fall and makes me feel old) but it'll be okay. It's one of those that you kind of have to go through. And I'm sure Alex will have a blast.

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I love you. You are my best friend! Your hair looks fantastic today!