First Day of Kindergarten

It's finally here! Anya started her first day of Kindergarten at Wedgwood Elementary yesterday.

excited for school 

obligatory pose in front of the school sign

It was a big day and Anya (after a little prodding to get out of bed) was excited to go. She was all smiles on the way. And when we parked and walked to the building, she ran ahead, ready to get started. The Kindergartners and families met in the cafeteria and then had to line up by class to go with their teachers. This is sort of where things fell apart. It was hot, we had to wait (what felt like) a long time, and there was lots of nervous and emotional energy throughout the room. So there was a lot of build-up. When it came time to leave with her class, Anya suddenly latched on to us, crying. I had to pry her off of me and Chris carried her until the head teacher kindly swooped in and walked her to class. It was a bit heartbreaking seeing her so scared and crying. But, of course, I hear she got over it quickly and had a wonderful first day. 

This Kindergarten thing a big transition for the whole family and the last few weeks were full of lots of emotion and uncertainties for all of us (well, mainly Anya and me). For starters, we weren't even sure if we would get to start school yesterday. The school board and teachers didn't come to an agreement until about 12 hours before school started. A strike was a possibility (although I'm not sure how strong a possibility), so we were all in limbo.

When we received Anya's class assignment Wednesday, I was initially disappointed. The teacher is out on medical leave and Anya is starting her school adventures with a long-term substitute (Ms. Moffitt). We don't know when or if her "normal" teacher is coming back. The substitute is young and new to teaching, so I have to admit, it made me a little nervous. However, after meeting her at the open house, she seems competent and kind with lots of energy. Anya immediately liked her and told me (and the neighbors) that she seems like "the nicest teacher ever".

Another source of pre-kindergarten nervousness (mainly for me, since I'm rather an introvert) is that Anya doesn't get to start with anyone she knows in her class. We had been going to informal playdates for nearly a year, getting to know lots of families. And not a single one of them is in her class. So, all new kids for Anya to get to know and now a class full of parents that I should get to know.

But now it's after day 2 and I'm happy to report that everything seems great. Anya already made a few friends. We walked home with a mom and daughter from her class yesterday, which was fun. And this morning at drop-off, she knew lots of kids. Drop-off went much more smoothly than yesterday. She was a little nervous still, but I think only I could tell. At pick-up, she was chipper and said she had a good day. And I met several nice parents and have been able to socialize with the ones I've already gotten to know. So we are all off to a good start.