MEET THE TEACHER

Kindergarten.

This boy.

Here we go.

Today we took JP to "Meet the Teacher" at Bonner Elementary School in Stewartville.  Kindergarten officially starts on Monday, but the school hosts this "One Stop Shop" today and tomorrow for the elementary school students.  With his backpack bursting at the seams with school supplies, my bright eyed babe - this blue eyed SCHOOLBOY jumped out of our car as fast as he could.  JP was sooo excited for today.  A and I held his hands as we stepped foot into the school.   JP beamed from ear to ear and my eyes filled with tears.

We were greeted by the Principal and many staff.  We toured the school office and cafeteria.  We found JP's locker and school bus station.  JP had his pictures taken and we filled out forms.

We had a private 30 minute session with his Kindergarten teacher.  The moment we entered his classroom and shook her hand, I just knew that everything was going to be okay.

(A and I have agonized - AGONIZED - about where to send JP to Kindergarten over the last year.  We've made lists over and over again about the pros and cons of joining the Stewartville school system versus staying at the Catholic school where JP went to preschool.  We've literally interviewed other parents and teachers from both schools asking questions that we just couldn't find on websites or the MN states school statistics.  We've prayed and prayed and prayed.  We've agonized, asked more questions, and then prayed some more.  We officially made our decision several months ago.  And although we've felt very confident in our decision, I've been filled with anxiety as today has drawn closer and closer.

My recent anxiety probably isn't so much related to where JP will attend school; it's the fact that school is starting.  On Monday, JP will step foot on a school bus and begin a 20+ year learning adventure.  His waking hours will be filled with influence from others … influences that are completely  beyond my control.  I can only pray that A and I have equipped him with the necessary tools to know right from wrong, and to treat others with kindness.  I won't ever get his early days back - although we tell him over and over again how much we love him - now will be the test to see if he really understands this.)

Mrs. Wenum's big smile and gentle voice just put me at ease.  The classroom - clean, colorful, organized, and beaming with natural sunshine - settled my soul.  JP sat and talked with Mrs. Wenum while A and I sat off to a distance.  She conversed with him and asked him several tasks (counting, reading, writing).  Her classroom theme just so happens to be Pirates!

After leaving the school today, I realized that this "Meet the Teacher" was really for the parents … I wasn't the only one with tears!  Nonetheless, I feel much better about watching JP hop on that "Yellow Horse" school bus Monday morning.  

But I can't promise I won't be hopping in my car and following it to school!