We are officially experiencing a real school night tonight. Tomorrow morning, my girl will be school-bound. Today was Kindergarten orientation.
There were mixed emotions among my wee pupil. She told me on the drive over that she was nervous. When we arrived at the school, we went directly to the cafeteria where all parents and new Kindergarteners were to go. The room was packed. There are six Kindergarten classes. The total classroom size is roughly 22 students.
When we sat down, we recognized some familiar faces from pre-school, swim team and around the neighborhood. I'm glad we have done some of the activities we have, or I might have felt as nervous as Sydney did.
The principal spoke about arrival and dismissal tomorrow. Then she introduced the teachers. Shortly after that, all of the kids, filed down the hallways to their classroom. Sydney's eager, leader, and assertive side kicked in as we walked to the classroom. She kept tugging on my arm to "hurry up". She really like to be first - I mean really!
We walked in and met her teacher. She is very nice. Sydney had to find her name at one of the assigned tables. Sydney is at a table with three other boys. If this had been Natalie, that would have been a bad scene (as Cheekers, not a fan of "mean boys"). With Sydney, she's going to fit right in, show those boys the ropes.
The teacher went over several bits of information with us parents about what to expect. The one thing that keeps ringing in my ears is that when we drop our child off tomorrow, we have to drop them off at the front door and not escort them to the classroom. Sure, torture me right away....just rip the bandaid off, why don't ya!
We found Sydney's backpack and lunch box cubby. We found her name at several spots around the room. So I'm eager to hear all about what each of those name stations stand for.
But tonight, was an early bed night, the first of many.
I've packed the lunch. I've laid out the clothes. I've got breakfast ready to go. I've set the alarm. And morning will be here soon....