Upward and Onward
August 23 2010 Dear Jedi,
Today is your very first day of school. I know, I should have written this last year when you headed off to kindergarten. Except we messed up, your father and I. We all know this by now. We weren’t sure if we were moving at that time or staying here, and your registration continued to be postponed. Clearly, we weren’t in any kind of rush.
Because I was afraid to let you go, you were held back.
“We’ve never had this situation before”, the school informed me. Which is polite code for geez, mom, what the heck are you doing? Good question. We decided that you would spend a couple weeks in a kindergarten setting, to make sure you’re ready to advance. What you know and your willingness to learn will be assessed and evaluated. You will be the oldest kid in the class, turning 7 years of age in November. For at least those first few weeks, anyway. Because you will rock their socks off, I have no doubt.
You will move forward. You will be in 1st grade soon enough, with your group, with friends, right where you’re supposed to be. We all know how incredibly smart you are, it won’t take long for them to know, too.
Today, we dropped you off for your very first day and I am so incredibly proud of you. For taking all of this in stride. For being nervous, but not afraid. For paying no attention as I shed a few tears. For walking through those doors, into your own.
I love you. I miss you already. I can’t wait to hear about your day.
12 Responses
on August 23 2010
I live in this ridiculous town where everything is so damn competitive that parents knowingly and willingly leave their kids (mostly boys) to start Kindergarten when they’re six, often turning seven before the Christmas break.
I’m glad the school district is willing to work with you and be flexible. However, don’t beat yourself up too much about the age thing. You’d fit right in here in my town.
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on August 23rd, 2010
@Cathy, That truthfully does make me feel better. Thank you. I really do think he’s going to rock their socks off, though, and he’ll be in 1st grade in no time. The kid, he continues to amaze me.
on August 23 2010
I started school a year late because my birthday was late in the school year and the schools were all full as it was baby boomer time in the UK. It made absolutely no difference academically that I skipped a year. I am sure your son will do just wonderfully.
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on August 23rd, 2010
@Aging Mommy, The main thing I’m concerned with is that I don’t want him to be the oldest in his class. It should only last a few weeks, though.
on August 23 2010
Miss M. missed the cutoff for Kindergarten this year by FOUR days. She will, certainly, be the oldest one in her class next year. I’m trying not to be a freak about it…but I worry a little.
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on August 23 2010
I work in an elementary school. If they are being that flexible with you, it’s a good sign.
Hope his first day was smooth.
Best,
Tina
on August 23 2010
I’ve suffered/celebrated this day last week as well. It’s beautiful, awkward and rewarding all rolled into one.
on August 23 2010
I bet he’ll rock their socks off, seriously, with a nickname like Jedi? Who wouldn’t. : )
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on August 23 2010
Non traditional is frequently a great approach. I bet he does AWESOME! Wish you guys all the best for the new school year. So exciting!!
on August 24 2010
I liked that my kid was one of the oldest in kindergarten (which was the decision of the school district based on his birthday). He needed the extra year. I’m sure Jedi will be awesome at both kindy and 1st!
on August 24 2010
I am certain he will do fabulous. With every new environment there is some apprehension, but in the end it works out.
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on August 24 2010
I bet Jedi will do well! That’s wonderful that your school district is willing to be so flexible! What a wonderful assurance that must give you that Jedi will wind up in whichever environment is best for him.
My brother did an extra year in preschool before heading off to kindergarten, so he was one of the oldest in his class all the way through. In his case, it was beneficial for him — he had a November birthday as well, and my parents & his preschool teachers decided together that he really needed that extra year under his belt, socially and emotionally, before starting school.
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