Mrs. Nowak Goes to Kindergarten

Now that I've shared about Leland's first week of school, let me talk about my first week of school.

The first week of school pretty much kicked my butt. I was SO tired! Getting up early, chasing my toddler and preschooler, getting out the door, teaching 4-5 year olds, picking up the boys, making dinner, eating/cleaning up, bath/bed time, prepping the next night's dinner, packing lunches...all of it was pretty exhausting. But then add to it that Dave was really sick and couldn't help with any of it made it even harder. And then add the emotional stress of not knowing what was wrong with him (doctors mentioned cancer, measles, and mumps...thank goodness it was none of those and he's on the mend now), and I was a mess.

But despite the exhaustion, I think the first week went well. I have 20 beautiful little souls in my class and I love them all already. Going from 1st-3rd multi-age to Kindergarten is a big change. No older kids to help tie shoes or run to the office or neighboring classroom for me. And some of the kids are nervous; this is their first school experience and it's scary for them. So there were some tears. It definitely takes some adjustment on my part, but it's all coming along. I'm beyond tired, but I am enjoying it.

Of course, I needed a first day of school picture with Leland.

And my students made these adorable hand print Pete the Cats. I love kinder art!

So, the first week is in the books, and after spending half of my Sunday at school, I am ready for week two!

Leland Goes to Preschool...Again

Last spring, Leland started preschool at my school. He went full time for a few weeks and then we switched to three days a week because it was just too much for him. It was a very difficult two months for us. Leland clearly wasn't ready for the structure of preschool and the transition was rough. I have been pretty stressed about this school year, knowing he would be going full time again and not totally sure if he was ready for it (but, ready or not, we don't have another option).

He was so excited to go to preschool again and was asking to go every day for two weeks. When the day finally came, he was all smiles, which calmed my nerves just a tad.

Back to packing lunches. It's way more fun packing his lunch than mine!

Drop off went smoothly on the first day and he said he had a fun day. He's not napping at school this year, so he was pretty tuckered out on the way home.

His first week went pretty well. There were a few bumps in the road, but his teacher is on top of it and I think she'll have him whipped into shape in no time. He still struggles with the structure, but I think it's a lot better than last spring. And he was happy at drop-offs every day, except for Friday, but I think he was just overtired from the week. 

We're off to a good start and I'm hoping and praying that it continues this way.

Leland and his teacher, Mrs. Travis.