First Day of School 2012

They're gone!

We dropped all the kids off at the SAME SCHOOL at the SAME TIME for the first time this year. They were ready to go and we were ready to be able to work at home again after a long (fun, but looooong) summer.

The kids were all fired up over the weekend for school to start. They all laid out their first day of school outfits last night and were up early, raring to go this morning.

This is old hat for Jake by now and he acted like it, dropping off his supplies and gear in his room before school, saying "c-ya" and heading off to line up with his class before the bell rang.

Tanner was used to the process, but was still a little clingy on the playground this morning. We have already gotten about 9 emails from his teacher, with very specific directions on everything; from how to line up to which kind of ruler is the best (the kind with the metal spline - in case you were wondering), so we're a little concerned about that. Tanner does really well with specific directions (not from us, mind you, but from other people), so my guess is that he will thrive in her class, but we'll wait and see. 

Faith was very excited to start kindergarten. She held her own in the line as we were able to line up with them for today only. She did the Pledge of the Allegiance, said the Harbor Pledge and then we followed her into the classroom for our first day routine. She sat down at her desk, listened to her teacher, said "here" during roll call, etc. so we thought we were in the clear. Then the kids went up to the rug and Ms. Schubert read "The Kissing Hand", like she does every first day of school. On the first page, where Chester is sad to be going to school, Faith lost it. Marisa had to go up and join the class on the rug for the rest of the book. I'm convinced that if Chester hadn't been sad, or if we had skipped the book, we would have been golden. But we did have tears on the first day.

The school always has a get-together for the kindergarten parents (I'm not sure we've ever gone before). They wanted us to write a letter to Faiths teacher or to "the world" that would get mailed to us at the end of the year...a little too touchy feely for us, so I waited outside while Marisa filled ours out. It was an exercise based on Abraham Lincoln's letter to his son's teacher. They gave us a copy, which I included here because it was awesome and everything that I wish I could have said to my kids on their first day of school.

Abraham Lincoln's letter to his son's teacher

He will have to learn, I know, 
that all men are not just,
all men are not true.
But teach him also that 
for every scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician, 
there is a dedicated leader...
Teach him for every enemy there is a 
friend,

Steer him away from envy,
if you can,
teach him the secret of
quiet laughter.

Let him learn early that 
the bullies are the easiest to lick... Teach him, if you can,
the wonder of books... 
But also give him quiet time 
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, 
and the flowers on a green hillside.

In the school teach him 
it is far honourable to fail 
than to cheat... 
Teach him to have faith 
in his own ideas, 
even if everyone tells him 
they are wrong... 
Teach him to be gentle 
with gentle people, 
and tough with the tough.

Try to give my son 
the strength not to follow the crowd 
when everyone is getting on the band wagon... 
Teach him to listen to all men... 
but teach him also to filter 
all he hears on a screen of truth, 
and take only the good 
that comes through.

Teach him if you can, 
how to laugh when he is sad...
Teach him there is no shame in tears, 
Teach him to scoff at cynics 
and to beware of too much sweetness... 
Teach him to sell his brawn 
and brain to the highest bidders 
but never to put a price-tag 
on his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears 
to a howling mob 
and to stand and fight 
if he thinks he's right. 
Treat him gently, 
but do not cuddle him, 
because only the test 
of fire makes fine steel.

Let him have the courage 
to be impatient... 
let him have the patience to be brave. 
Teach him always 
to have sublime faith in himself, 
because then he will have 
sublime faith in mankind.

This is a big order,
but see what you can do... 
He is such a fine fellow, 
my son!

We are picking the kids up at 1:15 (early release) for our 1st day of school Merc treats to hear about their days. I'm sure Faith was fine the minute we walked out the door and will be thrilled by her 1st day. I can't wait to hear about it.