Jason went back to school today. Not only the first day of 7th grade (where has the time gone?!?) but the first day back in the public school system. This summer, we made the decision to leave the Catholic school he has been attending since the middle of 4th grade. Not an easy choice.
Jason actually became more excited about school once we made the choice to change. When he arrived home this afternoon, he actually talked about his first day of school. Not the usual routine of us asking questions and he answering them if we’re lucky – no, he actually sat on the couch and talked to me about his day, and when Mike got home from work he went over it all again.
He told us that as far as schools go, this is the best school ever. He seems excited about the opportunity to make new friends. He has even talked himself about having a fresh start. I can honestly understand. Sometimes, a fresh start can be a fabulous thing.
His new school is much larger than his old school, and they didn’t have his schedule ready on Monday so we couldn’t help him find all of his classrooms. I went with him this morning to pick up his schedule, and I was relieved to see that we got all of the classes that we requested. I made sure he had the map that they gave us at orientation, but still… as I left the school and he headed off to his first class, I was nervous.
Actually, I was nervous all day. I’ve said all along that my big fear about this change was the “small fish in a big pond” issue.
This brings me to my happy moment of the day. Originally, he was going to take the bus home at the end of the day. He had asked me to pick him up, but I told him to take the bus. “Mom guilt” started to settle in as the day went on, so I hopped in the car right before school got out to pick him up. I walked up just as he was walking out to get on the bus, and asked him if he wanted a ride. He said no. He wanted to take the bus. He did ask that I wait to leave until he found the bus, so I waited and watched, and off he went. As he boarded the bus, I left and went back to my car to drive home. He arrived home shortly after I did.
Sure, he told me no and he rode the bus home. He left Mom behind. But at that moment, I was very proud of him and truly happy. He had a great first day, and knowing that was my happiest moment. Something tells me that we’re going to have a good year.
9 replies on “First Day of Seventh Grade…”
That’s fantastic, Christine!
how awesome to have those moments when you know that you done good. he’s a great kid, christine. you definitely done good. 🙂
that was very sweet!
I can’t believe he’s in 7th grade already! Wow, time sure does fly! Sounds like he’s going to adjust quite well, especially since he wanted to take the bus home. That was probably something to do with the friends he made his first day. Isn’t it great when they tell you all about their day instead of just “It was okay” or the infamous “Fine”??!! I hope he has a great year! 🙂
OMG I totally got teary eyed reading that.
Kids grow up way to fast. *sigh* Can’t they stay babies forever? 🙂
What great news Chrsitine – sounds like Jason will be just fine. 😀
Just out of random curiousity (and as a Catholic school parent myself), why did you decide to switch?
WOW! Your schools start so early!! Growing up – the first day of school was always the first monday after labor day.
I’m very happy to hear this, Christine. I know how it feels because my middle son had a lot of problems at his preschool and started kindergarten this year (sob, sob). He is SO much happier. Thank goodness.