Monday, August 25, 2008

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Parker started preschool today. Can I get a whoop! Whoop!

I've been so excited for him to start. Not just for my 3 hours a day with just two kids, but Parker could really benefit from preschool. I can't say enough about how bright I think he is...of course I'm bias. I do believe, however, he is a little bit advanced in his level of brilliance. But his social skills are somewhat lacking. Maybe lacking is not the right term. It's more like inexperienced. We don't get out much. And Parker has never been to preschool before. I think this will be SO GOOD for him.

Kindergarten in Texas is like first grade everywhere else. It's all day. So his elementary school has a Pre-K program. Which is more like my kindergarten. It's three hours a day, five days a week. Which will be a MAJOR schedule adjustment for us. Especially considering we couldn't get him into the morning class. We're going to the afternoon class which disrupts nap schedules for all three of my crazies. I imagine will have a new routine in a month or so. Possibly even with earlier bed times. Can I get another whoop! Whoop!

We got to go to a back to school night last Thursday night to see the classroom and meet the teacher. It seems great. There are 13 kids in his class and two teachers in a cute little preschool room. I like that it's at the elementary school. There are a lot of extra opportunities. PTA starts right up with the Pre-K parents. And there is an auditorium with a stage and book fairs and a library and after school activities on occasion. There is an office with a principal. I think it will make the transition to all day kindergarten very smooth.

As I was taking the necessary first day of school pictures, I asked him how he was feeling about school. His response was, "Really shy. And a little bit excited and a little bit nervous." He's been nervous since we visited his classroom on Thursday. He is a bit of a shy kid, surprisingly enough. But he'll warm up in no time. He loves to learn and I can really see him flourishing in a classroom setting. I dropped him off without a hitch. No tears. Although he was VERY quite. We'll see how he does.

Does this look like a kid ready for preschool or what? Hard to believe he's so nervous.


He got to pick out his own backpack. And despite all my persuasive efforts toward the rockin' Burton or Billabong backpacks at TJMaxx, he picked Spiderman. I guess that's my concession. I never let him wear Spiderman shirts...it's the least I can do.

20 comments:

jeanine said...

Piedmont schools are now all day kindergarten too... so we have pre-k. William gets to start next year. I feel sorry for him because all his buddies start this year. Dang those late birthdays.

Parker will do great! You'll have to let us know how much he loved it!

Kelly said...

WHere has the time gone? Parker, preschool? What?! I swear he was just 2 the other day!! HE is so stinkin grown up!!
My son picked Spiderman the first year- so hated that- but he loved it and then for 1st grade, he got another hideous superhero, but for 2nd grade- no way- that is so not okay for 8 year olds- so he got plain black! Great!!
So no worries, it won't last forever!! I am with you with the crap on the shirts!!
Love the school idea- much like Graham Rd here in REyn. It is a great program- Leah chose dance over preschool, and Celeste may too, but we will see- she can't get in until she is 4. We have some time!
GOod luck with the nap time craziness- I would hate that, but you will figure it out! Early bedtime is never a bad thing,either!!

Lauri said...

That's a pretty thorough explanation of how he's feeling for a four year old to come up with. I'm surprised he didn't say, "apprehensive."

Those are some cute pictures. He already looks older.

Moms Are Contagious said...

yay! I hope he had an awesome first day! I just cannot believe he is old enough! Crazy, crazy! The pictures are awesome too!!!

Amanda B. said...

Good for Parker!!!! (and for you!!! :):)) We are on the count down...two more days till Jacob starts KINDERGARTEN and Kenny starts grade 2! We (especially me....) are more than ready! :) Good luck to you all- hope it stays smooth- I am sure it will be awesome for Parker and he will do great!

Eric said...

How great! It'll be so good for him and for you. I don't know how people home school because public schools keep me sane. He looks so cute. You are lucky to have a pre-k class. Utah doesn't offer that. Ethan's preschool only goes 2 hours four days a week and Lauren just started Kindergarten this year and only goes 3 hours 5 days. Yah for school.

Autumn said...

He's so cute! I LOVE the first picture!! I think preschool is so great. I taught for 6 weeks in college and didn't realize how wonderful it is. I am surprised he's nervous. I can't wait to hear the follow up about it. I have never been a big fan of character-anything-maybe you're right-this is his way of getting his character fill.

Erin said...

Whoop-Whoop!! 1 out the door 2 more to go then you're free!

I let Austin wear character shirts but he has to have a plain back-back! His is black with flames!

I love the ready to conquer pic of him! Don't worry about sleep, moms don't need it anyway right! :)

Danielle said...

Can I get a double whoop whoop for 2 of my 3 kids starting full day school tomorrow? I am glad you are now getting a little break, Kali has preschool on Tue, Wed Thur but we are open on Mon and Fri-let's try to start getting together...=)

Jessica said...

Whoop! Whoop! It is crazy how fast time flies. I hope that he enjoyed his first day at preschool. That will be an adjustment for all of you. Parker sounds a lot like Jenna. She is very bright too but just has a hard time with other kids. She has her friends but outside that she is scared of other kids. She is starting preschool in October. It is just two days a week for three hours but I agree I think it will be good for her. It will probably be hard at first as she still cries when we leave her in nursery. You will have to let me know how Parker does and if you have any insider secrets.
He is so darling and he is looking more and more like Spencer.

Kim said...

Congratulations for a couple of hours a week you get to go back to two kids (I'm not there yet but Natalie was telling me two is exponentially easier than three... two of her kids start preschool next week)How has your new house been...how has the adjustment been to a new ward?

Unknown said...

He looks very ready for school -- I feel your pain with the Spiderman backpack. We have an obnoxious princess one at our house. :)

Kris said...

What an exciting time for all of you. He looks ever so grown up and handsome in his photo!
Enjoy!

Genn said...

Whoop! Whoop! I bet he's going to do great! Sounds like a really great program for him. I hope you can adjust to this new schedule with your other two crazies easily! =) Those pictures of him are so adorable. What a big boy. And spiderman backpack, of course! Good luck!

Stubbart said...

The Kindergarten schedule is so hard to get used to, having them gone all day! It'll be great for Parker to have that Pre-K class this year to ease the transition a little. And how cool that it is in your elementary school! Our elementary school doesn't offer that. Are you guys in Denton ISD or Lake Dallas ISD? It's so exciting and sad all at the same time when they start to grow up!

Suzanne said...

Happy Day!! I loved preschool for Spencer. It is so good for them socially. Hope he likes it!!

Heidi said...

WHOOP WHOOP, indeed! thats awesome! So glad you had a good experience... everyone that is posting about 1st day of school, is either REALLY excited or REALLY sad.

Kelly said...

He doesn't look nervous at all! And way to go Parker... no tears! I'm sure he's going to be loving preschool!

Sheryl said...

Whoop, Whoop, and a Yay for mom and Parker! It is amazing how different each school is and each school experience. Love the pictures!

Unknown said...

Oh wow, he looks great. :)