First Day of School Jitters

It's the first day of third grade, and I had the jitters worse than Morgan. I was okay until I sensed that she was a little apprehensive. We took Syd to day care, then I went to Burger King and got Morgan some breakfast (I know--not the healthiest, but at least she ate) and we went to the school. Kory met us there and had breakfast in the van with us. Well we didn't sit in the van for long. It was 7:25 and Morgan said, "I'm done" (school starts at 8) so in we went to meet her new teacher. She seemed very very nice. We put Morgan's stuff on her desk, found her locker, told Kory goodbye, and proceeded to the playground --not much of a playground at this point. Since they built a new middle school, the 3rd and 5th graders moved into the old middle school. As a result, they are on a playground with lines painted for some sort of games I suppose. They had basketballs and hula-hoops out for the kids, but no equipment until the principal can get some installed. No biggie to Morgan I guess. Anyway, Morgan stayed very close to me the entire time we were waiting for the whistle to blow so she could get her day started (more jitters for me). The kids were loud! Mostly the 5th graders were loud--both boys and girls. And there were hardly any parents there. I was kind of surprised. So the whistle blew and we made our way back around to the front of the building to stand in line. We said the pledge of allegiance and then the classes started heading inside. We had Morgan and her best friend separated this year--too many squabbles and 'girl' issues with competition and fighting--too much time spent together--let's hope this year is better. I kissed Morgan and she went inside--happy. Phew!

As I walked away, all I could think of is, "Please God let her have a good day and a good year." Not that last year was bad, but the teacher and I just never 'clicked' and the issues with the girls really got to me--probably more-so than Morgan. I left the school kinda sad--maybe more with a sense of meloncholy--wondering why the time has to go so fast. I had a hard time working today--hoping Morgan had a good day and that Syd wasn't too lonely without her big sister at day care. I was so happy when 2:20 rolled around and I could leave to go pick up Morgan.

I got to the school and waited for her class to be dismissed. She came out so happy--she said she had a wonderful day and it is going to be a great year. She made a new friend. She is excited to go to orientation tonight at the boys and girls club. Tomorrow will be her first day at the after school program there. So many changes. Mrs. Yasenak (Morgan's teacher) said "change is good" this morning while we were waiting in line. I agreed--yes change is good. But in my head I said, "is it really?" I'm not convinced. Maybe SOME change is good, I thought to myself.

I still have concerns about the girl thing--it is only the first day after all. One of Morgan's friends is in her class, but she is pretty influential, and another girl is already monopolizing her--so, we'll see. Jeremiah, the stalker boy from 1st grade is also in her class along with Madison--the bully from 1st grade. I am expecting challenges ahead so that I'm not disappointed, but hoping they don't happen. It's amazing how I can already see the 'cliques' at school--in 3rd grade. But I guess when you think about it, all our lives there are 'cliques' of some sort. It's who you are comfortable being around and who you have as friends. The good thing about Morgan is that she usually has friends wherever she goes--maybe to different degrees--but friends nonetheless.

Here's hoping we have a great year, just like Morgan said.

On another note, Sydney starts preschool on Tuesday. This year she has Miss Callie who we all love. Miss Callie was Morgan's first preschool teacher, and I attribute so much of Morgan's strengths in school to Miss Callie. We are so lucky. It IS going to be a good year.