Monday, August 10, 2009

Everything I need to know...

...I learned in kindergarten.

Actually, I don't believe that. Regardless, Park started kindergarten today.


We made the decision to send him to a charter school. Our house is pretty much in the worst school district in all of Ohio. Not to mention, we're still in our apartment in a different school district. Public school would mean transferring schools in the middle of the year...I don't anticipate that going over well with my kindergartner.

So after much research and many, many prayers, we decided NOT to go with our first choice of charter schools...which was like 40 minutes away, but to go with one that is nearby. Spencer and I reached this decision last weekend, went into the school to register him on Monday, and Parker started today. This school has a longer school year than most...it's part of the curriculum. So we had a pretty crazy weekend getting Park all ready for school.

His teacher, Mr. Caudill, seems great. You don't often find a man teaching kindergarten, but I think he'll be a perfect match for Parker's high level of energy.

The major down-side? It's a uniform school. I wanted to cry all through the school clothes shopping experience. Dress shoes? With pants it's tolerable, but with shorts? Holy mother of preppy!!! Yikes. I was hoping to find some out-of-control awesome dress shoes, but we had very limited time to shop. We bought the best we could find. Do they even make cool dress shoes for kids? I mean...Park has some great church shoes...but they're too nice and too dressy for school. If anyone knows...don't keep it a secret. I'm sure these will need to be replaced before the year is out. He insisted on wearing his loafers with no socks...old man style.


Just because these pictures hurt my pride just a little (despite the fact that he's cute no matter what)...here are some recent pictures of Parker in everyday clothes:



When Parker went in for the pre-kindergarten assessment, they told us he's reading at a first grade level. I knew he was bright, but I'm afraid that sometimes I over-estimate his ability as a proud mom. It was nice to have that confirmed.

And as if I haven't written enough already...

I think I'm really going to like this all-day kindergarten thing. I (along with my other two crazies) dropped Parker off this morning (without as hitch...no tears or clinging...it was all excitement) and was on my way to the store by 8:15am. Nice huh?

Already today, I've:
  • grocery shopped (with only two kids in tow)
  • put together puzzles
  • played a rousing game of Candy Land
  • made lunch
  • read stories
  • took a silly quiz online (see previous post)
  • chatted with a friend on the phone
  • doddled on my favorite home decor websites
  • browsed Craigslist
  • and now I'm blogging while the rest of my household sleeps in silence.
  • AND I still have two more hours.
Seriously...can it get much better? I think I'll be enjoying much more Katie time in the months to come. I forget what that is like. Oh man...I can't wait 'til all my crazies are in school. One down...two to go.

I'm anxiously awaiting pick-up time to hear all about Parker's first day.

18 comments:

Sam and Becky said...

What a great post and a productive day! Enjoy your last few hours... I hope his first day was great!

Lauri said...

I have been thinking of him (and you) hour by hour and can't wait for a phone call at the end of the school.

Oh--and if it's any consolation...I was talking to a mother of a kindergartener at church yesterday and their school day goes from 7:45-2:45 and starts on Wednesday. It just seems like a long day for a 5 year old.

Parker looks cute despite goofy dress shoes with shorts. Oh, and I think your other two will enjoy their alone time with you.

Unknown said...

So glad you are enjoying your day!!! My kids start next monday. We do the charter school thing too, which also means uniforms. I have the best luck online for things, even shoes. Try amazon, I always find too many things there!!

Traci Elizabeth said...

Funny, I saw the first picture of Parker and I thought "What on earth is he wearing? I wouldn't picture Katie dressing him like that"....and then I read on. Good to know you haven't lost your sense of style :)

Happy first day of kindergarten to Parker!!!

jeanine said...

Wow! I'm glad that everything went well (for you at least) on the first day of school. I"m sure that Parker did great too! William starts pre-K next week... exciting!

Genn said...

Happy first day of K to Parker. How great for him and for you. I just spoke to the director of a preschool we are considering for Hannah today and just told my husband that when she is gone a couple hours a week at pre-school I think it will be so good for both of us. I can't wait until it's grade school all day for both kids. :) Wonder what it's like to have that much time to yourself in one day again?

Eric said...

I think he looks cute in his uniform. So my kids start soon and I'm excited and dreading all day school. I think I'll miss my little girl all day. We'll see how it goes. Can't wait to hear how his 1st day was.

kori said...

my oldest starts kindergarten this month also. I can't believe our kids are this old. Arghhhh. Hope he has a good day.

Kelly said...

I long for the days when my kids are in school! I have awhile to go! I loved when Derek was in pre school 2 days a week.. he'll be going back in Dec. You got so much accomplished today... don't you love that feeling?!

Tammy said...

I'm pretty sure I'm going to bawl my eyes out when Brian has to start school! Maybe by the time he's 5 I'll be able to handle it. And - Is that a popped collar I spy on Parker? Even a uniform can't hide his sa-weet style!

Kelly said...

He is the cutest preppy uniformed Kindergardner I have EVER seen!! Love the loafer look- and the belt with khaki shorts- just divine!! I would trade that anyday for the dragons and skulls and crap they put on boy shirts! I love solids! Glad you are enjoying your day with just two- it only gets better from here!!
he he!

Megan said...

That is a long day! We still are at half day K here, but have year round schools. Regular grades go from 8:50-4pm, it's long!
He looks darling, uniform and all. Hope it was a great first day!

Amanda B. said...

ya, i agree, uniforms aren't much fun, but at least it takes away a lot of the thought every morning of deciding what to wear. he is still cute anyway. i thought about you all day yesterday wondering how his/your day was. Can't wait to hear his side of how his first day went! :)

J, E, S & L said...

You've only been gone for a couple of months (horribly long months I might add) and he already looks more grown up! I feel like a proud "Aunt"!

Melissa + Brett said...

YOU ARE OLD!!! You have a kindergardener!! What the heck? I can't wait to see a post all on his new school adventures!

Kris said...

Wow...Kindergarten! I remember it like yesterday, when Gennifer went to Mrs. Starbuck's class. How proud I was, and how hard it was too. But you will all enjoy it!!
Can't wait to hear how much he does. He looked adorable!!

Autumn said...

AH!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm SO happy for all of your free time!! HOW AWESOME! So cool. I totally noticed Parker's shoes on Sunday-loved them. Will keep my eyes peeled for others. Way to go super reader Parker! Can't wait to hear more about his school!

Heidi said...

Oh Katie... I dont doubt for a second that your boy is bright, and adorable! I have secretly been trying to dress my Jackson like your boys. I just love the way they look in those adorable clothes! You are one of my idols Katie! :O)