First Drop off to Kindergarten

valerie -- August 16th, 2011

It’s official. Maia is a full-fledged Kindergartener. Yesterday was parent orientation and a teacher meet and greet for the kids. Today was no-nonsense pack a lunch and drop her off for the first day of classes.

In the car, I reminded her where her lunch was, “I remember Mom”. I reminded her where her snack was, “I remember Mom”. I told her where her first homework assignment was (a picture and a little “about me” page), “Oh. I didn’t hear you say that at the house”. Well then.

Yesterday as we walked in to the school yard for the first time, Maia sighed, “It’s so beautiful”. Today as we got out of the car for the 1/2 block walk she skipped and sang a little song, “I’m going to school today, I’m going to school today, I’m going to have so much fun!” She remembered the way to the Kinder classroom area and walked through the gate with confidence. We found her classmates already lined up as the first bell rang. She got in line, got out her homework to hand to her teacher and began waving good-bye. As I was adjusting Stella’s shoes I heard a sweet little voice “Bye Mom!” and looked at my little Miss filing into her classroom. Of course, right at the end she hesitated and stopped a few feet short of her teacher. I swooped in and gently nudged her forward with a smile and a wave. She made it to the threshold and disappeared into the classroom. The door shut and I heard another mom comment, “They look too little to be in kinder! Time goes by so fast.” I had to agree.

I had no time for tears, as Elise and Stella immediately began bawling their eyes out for Maia. I hustled them out of the yard, hoping that those inside the classroom wouldn’t hear the commotion. Quick hugs and the promise that we would come get Maia after lunch calmed them down as we walked back to the car.

I can not wait to go and get my little big girl and hear how the day went on the other side of the classroom.