Lessons Learned

The first week of school has come to an end and I, as a mother of a new Kindergartner, have already learned so much. Those schools really don't waste any time do they!

TIRED
Anna is wore out! She would play all day long at daycare but there was also good downtime that she could have at any moment. I am sure the excitement of the first week plays into it but this week has really reinforced how important an early bedtime is going to be!

HUNGRY
She comes home so hungry. I am not sure what time she actually eats lunch but gosh is it at 10 am. Again a difference between school and daycare. At daycare Mary was there watching to make sure she ate everything up before she could go play. She also had an afternoon snack at daycare which she doesn't have at school. I am reminded that she has more choices at school and can in fact choose to not eat all that she is offered. She likes vegetables but apparently is not always choosing to eat them! At least we did convince her that she doesn't need to have chocolate milk EVERY day! Yesterday she chose white milk. :)

FUNDRAISING
They didn't waste any time here. Anna came home on Wednesday, the second day of school with a Happenings Book and an order form. And the brainwashing has begun (just kidding) as she was adamant that I needed to buy one, PPPPLLLLLLLLLLLEASE! In this case, yes I will buy one as I usually do anyway. But don't count on it when you are selling wrapping paper and chocolates.

VOLUNTEERING
This lesson is a good one! It does take a village. Hehe. I understand that our school are there to educate and that is getting harder to do with funding struggles and mandates. What makes it easier? I believe parents that take a responsibility at home with their children to engage in their children's education and continue the learning at home with every day activities. I also believe that parent volunteers in the schools are a great way to make an impact on a child. Anna's school appears to have a wonderful volunteer coordinator and efficient system that makes it easy to volunteer and help in so many different ways. I am looking forward to being a part of that!

PTA (I have a hard time not singing Harper Valley PTA)
The slippery slope. I had some anxiety prior to school starting about working mom's guilt and mommy cliches in the schools. Even the feelings I had from touring the schools and orientation when I heard moms talking about other moms in a negative tone. Just because Anna was starting school, I didn't want to feel like I was back in school too. That all led me to have a negative impression of the PTA or stereotypes that may be true or maybe they are unfounded. I really should give it a chance before I start judging, right?

Then at orientation last spring the incoming president of PTA stood up to talk to the parents about the organization. I recognized her. She is my neighbor. Granted, I don't know her well but I was a little nervous about neighbor pressures to joining the PTA now too. Yesterday as I was walking Anna home from the bus she calls out to me. We chit chat about Anna being such a big girl and in school already. Seems like she was just a little baby not that long ago. How she has 3 kids at Woodland Elem with her last one going there next year in K. How wonderful Woodland is and how much she loves it there. I think I am going to escape when as I am saying "see you later" she throws it in quickly. "Will you be coming to the PTA meeting on the 22nd? Would love to get some new K mom's there!" I tell her I have it on my calendar (true statement) and that I would like to check it out (semi-true) and that maybe I will rope in other Woodland mothers that I know to join me (ok, Pam and Laurie!!!) :)

Ok, I am being a little dramatic there since I have been impressed with what the Woodland PTA has accomplished in the past for the school and the students. They raise a lot of money throughout the year that even helps fund extra technology staff people that other schools don't get. And I also learned that many neighbors come to the meetings so it may be a good way to get to know other parents in the neighborhood. There may be positives.

I will keep you posted but wish me luck! If any hair pulling and cat fights develop I will be running out of there so fast! Ha! Again, just kidding. I don't mean to offend anyone that has strong ties to PTAs. I guess this topic could be a post all on its own!

PAPERS
A LOT of trees are cut down for the first week of school. I understand there is a lot of information to send out but man, will this pace continue. I have stacks and stacks of papers. A good system needs to be developed ASAP!

On a side note, lots of information about Swine Flu has been sent and I am expecting a notice today about a confirmed lice case in the school. Chad saw a notice when he dropped her off this morning. We have a long road ahead of us!

BUS DRIVER
My last lesson learned is that I need to have much gratitude for bus drivers. I give people who do that job a lot credit because I think it would be a difficult job most days. And their job of safely bringing our kids to and from school is so important.

I am very thankful for Jim, Anna's bus driver. The first day he called me over to the door and told me he was watching out for our little Kindergartner as she looked a little nervous on the first day! And then yesterday I saw him wave to Anna as she crossed the street. She waved back with much enthusiasm. Brought back some fond memories of my bus drivers, Owen and Betty! Loved them!

First week is almost done and Anna has had nothing but good things to say! She loves Kidstop and loves her teacher and class! So much fun to be had. We'll see how long the enthusiasm continues for but so far so good!