It's time! School is back in session for Lake Washington schools next week. Summer is winding to a close (in case you couldn't tell by looking out your window) and routine will set back in. This year is special for us, though, as our 5 year old twins will be heading to Peter Kirk Elementary School for kindergarten. Attending the parent orientation last night and the kids' meet/greet this morning just blasts me back to those feelings of curiousity and anxiety that starting a new school can bring. As my girls each clenched onto my hands and carefully took in every picture on the wall, the bathroom sinks their own height and the fifth graders breezing past them on the monkey bars, I couldn't help but wonder, "Are they ready?" They are kind, thoughtful, capable little people, and I have to hope we've done our best to prepare them for this adventure.
I'll never forget my kindergarten teacher. Of course, this was back at Woodbrook Elementary School in NJ where you could find me hopping off the big yellow bus in my cable-knit knee socks and bowl hair cut circa 1977. Mrs. Sostack had a big cube with zippers and buttons and snaps all over it that was a favorite (left). She had a special song that I loved about spring that we all sang together. I still remember all of the words and have taught it proudly to my children, despite the opening lines 'the air is warm and the sky is blue' not really fitting spring in Seattle. When I say Mrs. Sostack's name it just gives me a good feeling. And that's really is what it's all about in kindergarten-- she made me feel good about myself. I thought I was the sharpest kid in that class, but all of my classmates probably thought they were too. She did her job well.
Back then, we didn't learn our letters until first grade. There was a mid-day milk delivery and a short nap-time where we'd all lay down and try not to giggle at each other. My Linda Rondstadt-loving mom always offered to do my hair, but I insisted that I did it best- two plastic barrettes placed about an inch from my forehead (and each other). I had a necklace with feathers on it that I treasured. And I couldn't wait to learn to roller-skate like the bigger kids. I felt safe and confident and looked forward to each day at school. I'm sure I had no idea that my mom probably had a lump in her throat, just as I do, watching me go off on my own into the world of big kids for the very first time. I'm pretty sure I can hold it together, but if you see my sobbing by the cyclone fence next week, you'll understand why. ~j
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