School Days, School Daze
Aug 12 2010
Ah, life on the farm. We found a field mouse in one of our window wells. I was about to get Joe’s pellet rifle, or at least one of the dogs, but Mary Claire handed me a shovel and a bucket so that I could save the mouse and let him go in the scrub oak. That’s easy for her to suggest, she doesn’t have to carry the bucket with the mouse, wondering if the darned thing can scamper up and onto her. She also didn’t consider that this little guy might end up in our house come winter.
The mouse was a distraction from school registration: this process is another transition to life back in the US. Previously, our children have experienced a Japanese Montessori school, German public schools, and home/road schooling. So, when they enrolled in the school here last January, it was their first time in a US public school (though we selected a charter school).
Now, as we experience the beginning of the school year for the first time, we’re going through the whole back-to-school registration and buying sprees. We have the lists and we’re off to the BX, Kohl’s, Target, Wal-Mart, etc. for binders, pencils, uniform clothes, etc. This is not a very “green” process though, which is surprising considering how schools teach the kids about respecting the environment. I wish the school had a less extensive shopping list or process. In Germany, the school registration was much easier – and “greener:” Registration was done through the mail, the kids met the teacher on the first day, and for supplies we made one trip to the local bookstore, told the clerk our school and grade, and he returned with all books and supplies: One stop shopping at its best.
Things are good though. The kids are excited. The 8th grader is in Honors Science, the 6th grader is in 8th grade math, and the 3rd grader is in the same class as his buddies. And, the only whining we hear is that cross-country practice is too hard on the older two. I can live with that.
I would of had you kill the mouse but MC always had a big heart:)
I can’t believe that Joe is in 8th grade my gosh where does the time go. Just last night I was talking about Joe when he was little and fell down my stairs in Las Vegas. Guess the fall did not hurt him too much since he is such a smart kid.
Give the kids a kiss for me. Tell MC to drop me a line and let me know when I can give her a call.
@Pat: I don’t think that fall hurt him a bit. He’s in a bit of pain for his first day though – he got sunburned this weekend on a Scout overnight where they were sailing and water skiing (all for merit badges I’m told). Joe didn’t wear the sun shirt and he is walking very gingerly today.