DCFemella

The kids and I attended their open house this morning. When we entered the school, there were children smiling and parents trying to find teachers’ room and activities. The Assistant Principal, who we have gotten to know very well, smiled and waved at us. She hugged Cebastian and asked how our summer went.

“We had an amazing summer,” I answered.

“Great! And who is this?” Ms. B asked.

Isabelle cowered behind me. It is her first year at the school, so she is a little frightened. Ms. B smiled at her and told her she had nothing to worry about.

We were then greeted by Cebastian’s first-grade schoolmate’s mother E., who is very involved at the school, and we have become great friends when we were doing the GRACE Art program together. She told us that in the cafeteria, we could see all the wonderful new activities that the PTA is offering this year and helped us find our way to the kids’ classrooms.

I decided to go to Isabelle’s room first. It was easy to find because her teacher’s classroom is right next to Cebastian’s old first grade teacher. We said hi to her and also to the Spanish teacher. After we did some small talk, we went to Ms. R’s class. Ms. R is the type of teacher I remember when I was in school. Gentle but strict and will be one of the teachers Isabelle will probably always remember. We found her desk and underneath was the PTA toolbox that I ordered last school year, so I wouldn’t have to scramble around looking for school supplies.

One thing I liked is that in both children’s classroom, they are sharing all the supplies, which is better than if each child has his/her own because the teacher will never run out of supplies. We met a few of her classmates and headed to Cebastian’s.

We were met by some classmates along the way, and then we were at Ms. H’s class. She seemed very sweet and attentive. Ms. B called me a month ago to tell me she handpicked Ms. H herself, so I know that she is the type of teacher who will be great for Cebastian. He chose his desk, but I quietly took Ms. H to the side and told her that I preferred to have him near her. She said don’t worry that she will move the children around after the first day.

We headed upstairs to the cafeteria. Some tables had sheets where parents could volunteer. I volunteered for a marathon and Ice Cream Social. The teacher in charge of the marathon was very thankful because I was the only one who had signed up. I love volunteering, so I was happy to help.

The activities this year are amazing:

1. Chess - Cebastian showed interested. They have ten one-hour sessions from October 5th til December 14th. They divide the children into three groups: Beginner, Beyond Beginner, and Intermediate. In the Beginner class, which Cebastian would be, they will teach kids the chess rules and etiquette to prepare them in playing chess. Definitely one I am considering.
2. Young Rembrandts – Young Rembrandts is drawing course that I think Isabelle would love because she loves art. They teach the children drawing and cartooning. I saw Isabelle’s eyes widen when we headed to their table, so I know to register her when they open registration. Art is something that all children should appreciate, so I definitely want her to be involved in this curriculum.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://youngrembrandts.com/
3. Brainstorm Reading Program – E. told me about this program. She has her daughter in it, and it has really improved her reading. They do it by using fun activities that engage the children’s interest in education. I am definitely enrolling the children in this program. I want them to have the reading fluency that I had growing up because it helps them with the rest of their study areas.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://brainstormcenter.com/index.html
4. Spanish Club – I know that I am teaching the children how to speak Spanish, but I want them to be in a club that will help them with their writing and vocabulary. I heard that instructor is in high demand, and so I am really thinking of placing the kids in this program.
5. Brownies/Cub Scouts – We met with the Cub Scouts, and Cebastian really loved it.  Isabelle then whispered that she wants to do it as well, so I just emailed the Girl Scouts council for my area to get information.  When I was a little girl, I wanted to join the Girl Scouts after seeing “Troop Beverly Hills,” but my parents had busy work schedules, so I was unable to do it.  If the kids want to do it, then I am happy to have them join. On FriendFeed, there were helpful insight on people’s experience, so check them out: http://bit.ly/pxyZm

I read somewhere that School Open House and Back to School Night are having less and less parents attending.  Don’t skip them! They are very informative and helps make you aware of what is going on at the school.

Photo Detail: Pre-balancing School., originally uploaded by ~Misty~.