First grade jitters

This past Thursday was the start of the new school season for Su. First grade. Yep, she's officially a "student" now. Full days. Lunches. More homework. But it was also the first day for Su in a new school system. Su's preschool and kindergarten time was spent in the Geneva school system. She had already developed a certain sense of comfort with her old routine. She had made a few friends along the way. And she just LOVED riding the bus. So the world was a safe and predictable place.

But with our move back to Winfield, it not only meant the start of a new school year, but also all new faces. Of course, a huge reason for trying to get this move accomplished this year was to get Su into a new school system before she really developed any lasting friendships. Our view was that kindergarten, while fun, would be forgotten soon enough. But getting into the school system that would take her from grades 1 through 8 was more important.

We also knew that, with Su's personality, she would have no difficulty at all making new friends and fitting right in. Heck, it's only first grade, right?

We were so surprised by what started to take place as the school year crept closer. Su was actually NERVOUS. And the nervousness eventually gave way to fear. And her last night of sleep before the first day was not easy for her. The look in her eyes and the fear on her face showed through. This continued through to the next morning, breakfast, and the walk to the school.

I had decided to start later at work so I could accompany Anita and Su on the walk for her first day. I tried to joke and keep her mind off of her fears as we walked the .3 mile distance to her school. But to no avail. By the time we got there, she was deathly silent (not something that happens often!). And she clung to me in line while fighting tears. It was so tough to watch. Even when her new teacher came over and introduced herself, it did nothing to ease the fear.

All we could do was wait and see how her day concluded. We had a feeling that all would be just fine once she was settled into her classroom. But the wait would be tough as we hung on to hear the verdict on Day One.

Of course, it's as we expected. She came home wired and happy. She loved the first day. And she loved the second day, too. She really likes her teacher. And she's starting to talk to a few kids. The fears are gone. Anxieties forgotten.

And now nothing left but reading, writing, and arithmetic. Hmmmm... Does it get much better than Day One? Seems to me like it would be all downhill after this! :-)

But seriously. This should be a great year. Being back in the old neighborhood, closer to work, Su in school, and everyone extremely happy.