How did this happen? How did it get from August to May so quickly?
How can my child be entering the first grade in three months?
But here it is in front of me, and I can say with confidence that he is ready.
We decided late last school year to have him repeat kindergarten. I was pretty comfortable with the decision then and as classes began this school year I knew we had made the right choice.
But as May approached, I did wonder about class size at his school and started looking a little more closely as I made campus visits as a reporter to area charter, district and private schools.
But after my travels the last few weeks - and taking into consideration teachers I’ve met, school times, afterschool activities and cost factors - we’ve decided my son will remain in our public district school.
There is a lot to be said about the school we’re at. For starters, the first-grade teachers I’ve met have it together. They’re very organized. I like their style of teaching. And they have years of experience.
I know there have been concerns posted at evtrib.com and in discussions with parents about class size. But my son’s school is rather small. And from my discussions with staff, I believe he’ll be in a class with about 25 kids next year.
And there’s the fact that staff at the school - from the many teachers he knows to the nurse who knows about my son’s asthma to the afterschool program leaders who are incredible and enthusiastic - are very doting on my son and know his quirks.
I’m looking forward to seeing what afterschool activities will be available to him next year also. I’d love for him to learn Spanish. I know there is a Lego league there. He’ll probably take art again.
I’m grateful we have these opportunities for our kids before us.