Monday, November 28, 2005

The New Kid

Today was Jack's first day at his new school. How many different ways can I describe being a nervous wreck? Changing schools has been a very difficult and gut-wrenching decision for all of us, because we love the magnet school that Jack has been going to across town. And since we moved in September we've been wrestling with what to do, as we now have this excellent elementary school ACROSS THE STREET from our house. I took this photo from our front door so you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. It's a really solid, strong neighborhood school with great parent involvement and it's ACROSS THE STREET! So we made the decision to switch now, and Jack has really been a trooper. He was angry and unhappy at first, really hating the thought of leaving his two great buddies to be new all over again "just like in Kindergarten." But he is just like his dad, as he seems to have that ability to knuckle under and deal with whatever comes his way with hardly a complaint. It's a quality I greatly admire and wish I possessed in even a small increment. So after picking up Max from preschool today we drove past the playground on our way home. There was Jack at lunch recess! We pulled over and I jumped out to give him a big hug. He seemed very grateful to see us, comforted that we were just right there, that he could see our twinkle lights in the living room window. He didn't ask me to please get him out of there, he said things were fine, and he actually smiled. Wow, did that ever make me feel better.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Jack's day went well. Though, reading this has made my stomach do flip-flops. It's just hit me how soon Parker will be making the same transition.

Anonymous said...

Ugh! I thought about Jack today as I looked around my classroom of first graders. It sucks to be the "new kid", but I am sure he will fit in fine. Jack is a great boy with much to offer others. Im sure he will have friends in no time.

Anonymous said...

Across the street, how will the poor kid ever get away with playing hooky?

Renee said...

I got to your blog through Artsy-Craftsy babe - I work with her!

Renee said...

Oops, I wasn't finished. It must be great to have your son's school so close - I would love that. I enjoyed looking around at your blog . . I'll be back.