Aria is in Kindergarten

September 5, 2014 was first day of Aria's kindergarten. Although Aria has been attending preschool since she was 3 1/2 years old this is different. Bigger! Her preschool was a nice small Waldorf inspired place with two teachers who took care of all her needs. Kindergarten is different. There are 4 classes and each one is about 20 kids. Aria's class has only 19 students.  Her teacher is Mrs. Hurner a nice kind lady who has been teaching for almost 30 years. The first day of kindergarten was long and exhausting. There were no tears and no screaming. Just a little bit nervousness. Both Joe and I took Aria to school. She was her usual stoic self. She just stood there and watched all the other kids chaotic around her. She was quiet and observant. As the bell rang she marched right into the classroom without saying goodbye or looking back at us. Joe and I lingered behind and as we were about to leave we realized that the teacher wants us to come back into the class. She then had all the kids sit on the carpet around her and she greeted them all and told them that even though she knows they were very nervous they are not as nervous as us,  the parents (and she was right). Then she handed all the kids little packets and asked them to give those to us. The packet consisted of a small cotton ball and a teabag and a little sweet note attached to it. We then  gave the kids a big hug and said goodbye. I read the note outside of the classroom and cried. The note is attached. When I picked Aria up from school in the afternoon she seemed happy but very tired.
It has been over a month since Aria started school, and she has grown to love it. The days are still really long and weekends are just for resting and relaxation, but Aria has been learning so much. She has been practicing her writing and her numbers and has made a few friends that she really loves. She was also lucky enough to have two of her pre-school friends in the same class with her. They are Oliver Comerford and Owen OBeirne. She also is now taking the school bus to and from school. I think Aria was ready for kindergarten.  She seems to be thriving and we are so excited for her. We love you Arusia!

A little gift from the teacher to the parents

Getting ready to go to school

Waiting by her locker for the bell to ring

Greeting the kids

After school pick up

A little treat for "surviving" her first day at school

Reading books during class

Aria's class has what they call "buddies". They are kids from 3rd grade who pair up with kindergartners and help them navigate the school during the first year.