W is in kindergarten!
I still can’t believe it. I know
he’s ready academically. The kid was
actually asking to do math worksheets over the summer?!? He’s so close to reading. And despite all the parent meetings, rules, required
volunteer hours, and days with no buses, I really love his school and think it
will be the best fit for him. And I know
meetings and volunteer hours are a good thing – I really do, but gosh, they’re
tough on working parents. W’s new school
has a STEM curriculum starting in kindergarten – my nerd heart is loving
it. He’ll be able to take Spanish classes
starting in fourth grade (I wish it was sooner, but I started in 7th
grade so this is a step up). His class size is small, but not too small - 17 children. And I’m just so
excited for him to learn ALL THE THINGS.
But I have to admit, I’m also sad. Sad that he’s growing up so quickly. Sad that I don’t yet know any of the teachers or fellow parents - I can’t just check in like I used to at preschool. I’m worried for his shy, sensitive heart and devastated that he’ll have to practice lockdown drills. I’m concerned he’ll fall behind and worried that he won’t know who to sit with at
lunch. I’m sad for the world we live
in. I’m sad I can’t protect him. I'm sad that I have to let go and allow him to grow. And it breaks my heart a little.
Yesterday was ok. It was technically W's first day, but parents were
required to attend a meeting with the principal so we were on campus at the
same time as the kindergartners. Today, I had to drop him
off and drive away. I couldn’t even walk him into
school. I had to let an
aide help him out of the car and into the school (this is a good thing for safety
reasons and efficiency). Cue all the
tears as I watched him walk away without me, never looking back.
A big step for all of us.
My sweet boy is growing up.
Oh my goodness! Such a huge step! It is hard on a mama's heart for sure. Unfortunately, the letting go (for the parents) doesn't seem to get any easier for first grade either!
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