1st Day of School 2017-2018

First day of 5th grade at an Intermediate school and first day of 2nd grade.

First day of preschool

(The shadow from his face makes his face look distorted. :o/)

Neither Caleb or Carter was excited to go back to school so it wasn't a great first day likely due to their attitudes. Carter complained that one of his teachers yelled at him for a silly reason (when lining up, he wasn't exactly behind the person in front of him--his shoulder stuck out...according to him) and also complained that he didn't get to go out to recess. After 3 days of no recess because the heat index was above 95 degrees, I finally decided to go to battle to get him recess. (It was the first thing out of his mouth each day when he got home!) I made a complaint about it last year as well and was told that staying inside was for the safety of the children when it is that hot outside. This year, I wrote the principal an email explaining how much my son looked forward to and loved recess. Going from playing all summer long to sitting in classes with little movement, even during PE as they establish rules/routines/procedures is tortuous! My request for a compromise was a modified recess--not the full 30 minutes when the heat index is above 95. It worked and Carter has been happier having the chance to play outside to break up the day.

Caleb was nervous about being in a new school with lockers and new faces. He has enjoyed the later start time, and has done well at getting his piano practicing done before school. The intermediate school is further away, but he still rides his bike to school with friends. He has 3 teachers this year for his core classes and has PE and his elective (choir) daily. So far things seem to be going well. I've been nervous for him!

Bryson was so excited for preschool to start. This is my first time teaching 9am-1pm with students bringing a lunch each time. The extra hour makes me feel less rushed, but it's also exhausting. I'm still just doing two days a week. Bryson loves having his friends come over for school.

In addition to my life already being busy with teaching preschool, teaching 5 piano students, my church calling (Relief Society teacher and Self-reliance specialist), I was asked by a friend to be on the PTO for Caleb's school. I didn't realize quite what I was getting into... Fortunately my position (Volunteer Coordinator) will calm down in stress-level in the next month. Initially my responsibilities of securing a room parent for each class and entering data into spreadsheets (areas where parents are willing to volunteer this year) is taking quite a bit of time.

School is off and running!
(Except for the unexpected cancellation of school on Friday in order to prepare for Hurricane Harvey. So far we're holding up fine, but the worst is yet to come.)