Thursday, August 27, 2009

Kindergarten
I never imagined the intense varying feelings I would experience when I watched my "Baby" Girl go to Kindergarten. As Draven and I walked Elora through the halls for the first time, Draven proudly and protectively stayed at her side while she smiled in excitement to be at the "big kids" school with her brother, seeing her long-time friends along the way, yet still nervous and attached to me as she continued forward. In reaching her locker, Draven eagerly and patiently explained to her how to "use" it and what not to do with her things. Yet Elora showed more interest in listening to her very excited locker neighbor and classmate, Calvin Ureda, along with showing off her new princess backpack to her friend across the hall, Adel Cathey. Although Draven should have left our side and gone to class with the first bell, he wanted to ensure Elora's happiness and ease her mind by walking through the classroom door with her. Mrs. (Ellen) Fischer welcomed Elora with the warmest smile and "Good Morning!" a child could ask for. With other parents in the room, some relaxed, some anxious with cameras, and one with tears of happiness, the children gathered to the colorful rug giggling and chatting with their friends. Draven knew it was time and called to his sister, "Bye Elora!" Her eyes lit up and she waved joyfully as if saying thank you and responded, "Bye Dwaven! Have a good day!" Draven left the classroom with his head held high and smiling confidently as if knowing he did his big brother duty and can now go to class.
The final bell rang and I knew it was time for me to let my Baby go. I gave her one more hug and kiss, waving "I love you" and blowing kisses back and forth with her until I was no longer visible. It was a new day, a new chapter in Elora's life, and the first of many educational experiences ahead as her future unfolds. This was only the beginning and it is called...Kindergarten.




Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Second Grade

Although I am not sure how the time passed so quickly, Draven proudly began his descent through the "big kids" hallway leading to his 2nd Grade classroom, while Elora and I trailed behind. Along the way, he received hugs and high-fives from friends he has not seen since the end of last school year. On one side sweet Gretchen, with the most descriptive facial expressions I have ever seen in a child, began chatting in excitement about where their seats are located (second row, next to each other across the walkway), while on the other side was Cousin Jason full of content, yet both boys walked in silence (as if they were speaking to each other with their body language and eyes, but no voice, while they walked proudly together). In reaching his locker, he opened it and paused, almost seemingly unintentional as he looked into it for the first time of many ahead, familiarizing himself with its location, excitedly pointing out that it was next to Storm's locker, before he placed his belongings in it. Upon entering his classroom, he says, "Hi Ms. Keller" and looks around at his new classroom, quietly absorbing everything within it before I ask where his desk is; he so diligently begins reading the names on each desk until we find his, located next to Natalie Gilbert. I stop and reminisce for a moment with Mrs. Keller (previously known as Ms. Gunion) as it feels like it was not that long ago that I was in the same classroom but as her 6th Grade student. Well as the last of the children entered the classroom and the 8:10 a.m. bell rang, it was my cue to say goodbye. With Elora at my side, we walked outside the classroom and waved goodbye to Draven saying, "Have a good day!" As if we were already forgotten, he kept his attention focused on his teacher at the front of the classroom and the voices around him of happy children on their first day of school. Today begins the new chapter of learning, friends, and memories in the 2nd Grade at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School.