And We are Off to Kindergarten

The past week has been exciting at the Berman House. On Thursday, we were off to Southbury Elementary School for Kindergarten Round up. It was a two hour orientation and meet and greet with Samantha's Teacher Ms. Husted and the school principle and administration. Samantha woke up excited and started her day in good spirits. Here she is getting ready to leave the house.When we got to school, Samantha had a chance to find her table in her classroom (I remember having a desk...must come later on these days). Anyway, she is at the red table in the red block of the kindergarten cluster. Red is her color. Here she is playing with playdoh while the parents fill out even more paperwork and before we completed our scavenger hunt of the classroom.

Samantha has a friend from LaPetite Academy in her class and we met Caitlin, who sits at Samantha's table. She lives on the next block and will be riding the bus with Samantha. Samantha also met another Kindergartner on our block over the weekend, Cameron, who will be riding the bus too so I was happy she would start with a couple friends.

During the orientation we were given instructions regarding lunches, school supplies and health expectations. There are a total of 380 Kindergarteners at Southbury. It is year two the school has been open and year two of the all day kindergarten program.

The first moment of meltdown began when one of the school administrators was explaining the importance of all the parents to put their children on the bus starting the next morning, rather than bringing our children to school. She did say it was okay if we got in our cars and met our student at school, but basically told us that after Friday, our child would be expected to make his/her own way to class independently, with help of teachers and detailed procedures of course. She went on and gave and anecdote about her own daughter that brought most of the room to tears. It wasn't just the content of the story, but the message to the the parents about our first true experience of letting our children take this first big step in their lives. Very poignant story that rang an interesting bell in my mind. She also asked that we try not to get emotional in front of the kids when we put them on the bus or walked them to the classroom the next day. She reminded us that the children will get upset if they see us upset and it was important to keep our composure. That thought alone created meltdown number two. I wasn't sure I could keep it together.

In any case, we received all the information we needed to get ready for the first "official" day on Friday. We packed a lunch, labeled our supplies and backpack, had a long refreshing shower and prepared for the next day. That included reviewing Samantha's "Shark" folder, which is something we will have to review each night. Third and forth meltdowns happened before bedtime. Once when Samantha and I were reviewing a very cute poem from her teacher and the other when I laid her down to sleep. At that point, I wondered how I would be the next day.

Friday brought that milestone to reality..I was going to put Samantha on the bus to kindergarten. After getting ready in plenty of time, Samantha enjoyed a special breakfast of french toast and sausage, compliments of Daddy, with Jadyn looking on a little jealous.

Then it was out to the end of the driveway for the bus pick up. Samantha couldn't decide how she was feeling. First, she was confident (and yes she wanted to wear a skirt)....

Then she was a little scared!

She wasn't really scared, she was actually quite excited, she posed this way for me! I managed to get her on the bus without shedding a tear. I even kept myself composed for the remainder of the day, but as the day went on, it felt weird to be home with just Jadyn. He too seemed a little confused about the absence at the house.

After his nap, Jadyn and I headed outside at 3:33 to meet Sam's bus. After we got settled in our wait, we received a phone call and e-mail stating that the buses were running late. It helped me remain at ease even though they warned us about the possibility during the orientation and asked us to be patient the first few days. Personally, I can't imagine trying to get that many kindergartners, oh and lets not forget the rest of the school, on buses and home safely. Anyway, here is Jadyn being very happy as we continue to wait.

He seemed to know that Samantha was on her way. He kept looking right and left as if he was waiting for her. Since we didn't know which direction she would come from, he was probably just doing the same thing I was doing.

And then she was home. She looks so small next to the bus!

She didn't have much to say, I asked her a lot of questions and finally got the gist of her day. She had fun and can't wait to go back! When I asked her if she sat with Cameron or Caitlin on the bus she said no. She told me she sat with Matthew...I had a flash into the future at that moment. I imagine she will be playing a lot with the boys at school.

In any case, it was a good first day of School and I was so happy to be able to be with her as she took this first big leap in life. To add sugar on top, Samantha and Jadyn were happy to see each other. They were very cuddly and giggly with each other that night. They really have created a very strong bond and love each other very much!