On First Grade
I have been reminded this week why we bought this house. It was because of this school. And while last year was not the year that we had hoped nurturing wise, this year is giving me hope that it could be.
My childhood was amazing. Had a great time. But every other year was a new year in a new place. And twice it was every year. New place in 3rd grade. New place in 4th grade. New place in 7th grade and new place mid 7th grade. This is all irrelevant now but I do find it affects how I think about school in general and as a parent.
Walking to school on Monday, as a family, we saw lots of our neighbors all walking to school too.
G recognized some of his friends and waved. I recognized the moms from the pick up line and said good morning. Riding up to the building he saw so many friends from last year. All with shiny backpacks or lunch boxes or shoes or special picked outfits. His best friend isn't in his class this year but they meet every day on the playground for recess. At pick up their classes are near each other and I heard them discussing specials yesterday: "G, in art there are more pokemon!" The music teacher has already cemented her specials class as being best because she has a whole pokemon go theme and you can earn pikachu by doing something I don't understand and he is ALL. IN. on this music teacher and her class this year.Music Teacher. You nailed it.
And his actual teacher. I know I mentioned a bit about his kinder teacher and some of our frustrations but the biggest issue was just kind of her. She has 3 daughters and she definitely favored little girls. One of the boys who was on our soccer team was in our class and I spoke with his mom. She mirrored my thoughts and she told her son "she has 3 girls. So you're going to need to sit quietly and do your work because she's going to favor the little girls." And that was in September. I did not believe her. But it did play out that way.
G had a great kinder year. He loved going. But that was mostly because of his dear friend. He got smiley faces everyday. He did amazing. He learned.
But to put it all in context ... his 1st grade teacher at the end of the first day tried to give him a hug and he about fell over tripping over his feet with confusion. He ended up giving her a high five. When she tried to give him a hug on day 2 - telling him "great day today!" he beamed with pride. On his way home he told me that she called on him for the answers several times.
He never, ever, ever told me that last year. He never once came home saying she had called on him in class.
Some of that is just him. He needs more confidence. Mrs. B was a nice woman. She taught him well. But she didn't start paying attention to him until I started sending emails and pointing things out. Until Lewis went up there for an additional parent teacher conference.
But he survived! In fact, he thrived! He had a great year and he learned how to deal with it all and he did well. She will not be the worst of his teachers. All of his teacher's won't like him. In many ways it was a good start for him. It's easy to do well in an environment where the teacher loves you. It's harder when she doesn't.
Beyond the teacher it occurred to me today that he has an entire village of support that is so great. Friends that will know him "since kinder". Parents that will recognize him and hopefully have an eye out for him. A network of friends across his entire grade, not just his class.
From my "new girl" background ... I know the value of all that. Here's hoping that today's good feelings and pleasant walks to school are a great sign of a great year ahead. He will have to work hard everyday. But I am so proud of him and know that he can work hard and do well.
Phillip when you smile I am undone / my son. / look at my son! / pride is not the word I'm looking for / there's so much more inside me now / oh Phillip you outshine the morning sun / my son / when you smile I fall apart
Hamilton applies to all aspects of my life. So proud of my young men. So proud.
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