School Days

The girls met their teachers this week and both are really excited to start school. Jenna is lucky and has the same kindergarten teacher that Grace did who also happens to be their swim instructor so we love her already. I can't believe I'm sending my baby away for the whole day but I'm glad to know she will be with someone I know and trust. Grace is thrilled because she has all her favorite friends in her class and also gets to start ELP (Extended Learning Program for gifted students) this year. The ELP teacher at Field is amazing. Their theme this year is pirates and when we showed up on Meet the Teacher night she was dressed as a pirate called "Captain Snappy". The other thing that Grace is really excited for is that they get to be 3rd grade buddies this year. They will go to a 1st grade classroom and be paired up with another student and help them with projects. Those of you who know Grace know this is right up her alley. She has been looking forward to this since she was in 1st grade and had her own 3rd grade buddy.

In other news, I am the PTO vice-president. Not exactly what I planned on but Amy and I are almost the only parents who ever show up to meetings so we both got roped in (she's the treasurer). If any of you are wondering why I would do such a crazy thing when I have a million other things to do I will tell you that being involved with PTO is one of the best things you can do to ensure your kids get what they need at school. (Be warned--I'm now getting on my soapbox.) The principal knows my name and my kids' names which is a great thing. When I have had issues in the past that I needed help dealing with I knew I could go to the principal and she would listen and help me and I could be comfortable talking to her. The teachers know me and my kids and I feel that it is a great thing for the adults at the school to know who your kids are. Plus I feel that we have a great responsibility to be involved in our community. If we don't take part in the things that involve our kids then we have no effect on the values that are being taught. For example, at a PTO meeting last year we were planning the school carnival and discussing what type of drinks we should buy. If I and two other LDS parents had not been at the meeting they would have been serving iced tea. I feel that we, as members of the LDS faith, sometimes shirk our community responsibilities because we are so busy with our church callings. PTO has been an awesome thing for our family and if you have the chance to be involved you should take it. (Stepping down now.) If your kids attend Field we have set up a blog where you can stay updated about what is going on at the school. You can also volunteer to help us anytime! :) There's a link in my Blog Buddies list to the PTO blog.

The last thing I have to do is ask if any of you wish you were starting school with your kids. The first day of school was one of my favorite days of the whole year--right up there with Christmas. I would love to be an eternal student but for now it will have to be vicarious. Happy First Day of School!