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.