Luke's First Days of School

We have entered brand new territory with these two munchkins. Two little boys in the same school! Luke started PK this year and it's been a huge blessing. I will be forever grateful for Little Georgie's preparing my little guy for PK.

There is an 'ease' into school for our youngest learners. First comes JumpStart, which is a 3 half day program two weeks before school starts. Then the kids have one half day at school, one day at home, and two more half days before the full class comes for the entire day. It's not designed to be easy on the parents (trust me....I've lived it twice) but it IS designed to be easier on the kids. Since I work at the school, Luke had to attend 'faculty/staff childcare' those days he didn't have camp or school. Poor guy was always confused about where he was going each day.

Even now, he'll ask me two or three times on the way to school, "Hey mom. Where we going??" I'll have to tell him two or three times we are going to school. That first week he said, "I don't wannnnna go to school!! I wanna go to Miss Wowa (Mrs. Lawo)and Miss Wuffin's (Mrs. Ruffin's) room!" It was just adorable how much he loved being in that room.

The transformation we have seen in Luke has been astronomical. Luke has gone from a child who trantrummed daily to a little guy who can express how he feels. I am not saying it was a light switch effect and the trantrums are gone (he is still three for heavens sake), but his first reaction isn't to scream or hit. He is also happy. He's happy at school. He's happy at home. He's the little guy I knew he was trying so hard to be.

This is my little man who doesn't give out hugs freely. Evan will literally hug a stranger in Kroger. Luke doesn't really have time for all that mess. When he does give you a hug without prompting, you better take it. Those don't come around often. Every day he runs to his teacher Mrs. Lawo (or Miss Wowa) or Mrs. Ruffin (Wuffin) and gives them a hug. The first time I witnessed that, I almost cried.

You see, it shows the bond that Luke has with them. Like I mentioned, this bond doesn't happen very often with Luke. So to know he trusts them, he loves them and he wants to be with them is huge. Mrs. Lawo and Mrs. Ruffin have truly help my little guy become the boy I knew he had in him.

PK is EXHAUSTING!

Evan's first days of school

As most of you know (unless you are really new to my life and my blog) I work at the school in which my children attend. I am blessed beyond belief to work there and even more blessed my kids attend this amazing school.

Evan started 1st grade this year. In PK-SK, they placed Evan with the teacher who had the classroom farthest away from my office (those who work there...think about it). Now, I know that was not on purpose because St. George's spends hours, days, months placing children in the perfect class with the teacher and class make up that is needed for each child to thrive. But still, I have to giggle. I hardly saw Evan during the day for three years.

This year Evan is placed in the classroom right next door to me. :) I see him multiple times a day. Every single time, he stops, says "hi momma!", waves, blows me a kiss or will come give me a kiss if he's allowed. I am going to take every single one of those greetings because in blink of an eye he's going to be in the elementary building, or in middle school, or off at college.

Evan's teacher, Mrs. Field, has been teaching over 30 years. She is one of the sweetest, most calm, gentlest teachers I've had the privilege with working. The way she knows each and every student and what they need is just...well...the St. George's way. If she's ever been stressed or upset, I've never seen it. I just can't say enough about this amazing lady. Again, I am blessed not only to be her colleague, but blessed to turn my child over to her for a year.

Evan has been with these friends since PK. He loves all the guys and girls in his class, probably a little too much. I've already had the "your teacher mentioned you are talking too much" talk with him. :) He can't help it....he comes by it naturally.

Sorry Lila and Evan...I'll probably be following you to middle school to take this yearly picture. :)

 

Evan - I am so proud of you. Your infection joy and amazing heart for others is going to help you make this year one to remember. Enjoy this time with your friends and your teacher in this amazing place. I promise you will look back with fond memories.