First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Alyce's first day of kindergarten! And it couldn't have come soon enough! Mom and I weren't in a big hurry to see her out of the house. But both she and her brother have been bouncing off the walls for the last few days in anticipation of the big day. Now that the day has come and gone we hope that life can return to normal.

Alyce is in afternoon kindergarten along with every other child in the neighborhood. A few events last week we met some of Alyce's classmates and their parents. I think about a third of the families in attendance live in our neighborhood. One girl, Ellie, lives three houses away. We've met her and her parents before but haven't had much reason to carry on a conversation let alone become friends. We are hoping now that the kids ride the bus together and get off at the same spot we will become closer.

I stayed home from work today. I couldn't miss such a big event in my children's lives especially since I have a dearth of vacation days saved up. The morning was pretty much like any other. Mom got the kids up and fed and then fed again earlier than normal because they'll be in class during their normal lunch time. Once dressed up in their 1st day of school finest we brought them outside for the required 1st day photos. Timings being what they are Alyce can't ride the bus to school except for Fridays when Luke doesn't have preschool. We have to drop Luke off first and then hightail it over to Alyce's school to get her in on time.

We didn't get to walk Alyce to her room. We just brought her outside and waited for the buses to show up with her classmates. Many parents put their kids on the bus and then drove to school to record the experience and to make sure they got there ok. If we didn't have to drop Luke off I think we would have done the same thing. Once everyone was accounted for it was time to say goodbye. Except things happened so quickly we didn't get the heartfelt goodbye we hoped for. We had given her about a million hugs before then so she didn't seem to notice not getting one more. And then they marched in. Mom and I turned and walked to the car holding back a few tears. I was sad to see her go but happy that she was taking such a big step.


Later that afternoon when she got off the bus she was as happy as can be. She and Luke even played with Ellie and her sister while we and Ellie's mom chatted for a while. Mission accomplished. We asked Alyce how her first day of school was and she said some pretty generic stuff like she had fun, she liked her teacher, and enjoyed the bus ride. The big item of note was that they search for some buried treasure of tootsie rolls.

End of the Year Party

At the end of Alyce's school year the district put on a little carnival for the kids. It was a fairly simple affair in that there were just games and artsy things to do but no rides.  Alyce and Luke went to all the different stations and played all the games. They also took a few turns in a bounce house. Balloon animals being made were also a big hit; Alyce with a unicorn and Luke a horse.

After the games we took a trip down the hall to the art area and each kid made a picture. The crafts provided were plates full of paint and circle stamps. By dipping the stamps into the paint and then onto the page you could make pictures out of circles. Luke's picture was pretty random. Alyce's was a very happy caterpillar.

Registered for Kindergarten

This week we registered Alyce for kindergarten. Yet another step out of the nest. Alyce is pretty excited about it too. I think she would be ok if she just started going today.

We had the option if sending her to a full day of class but the school district doesn't pay for that. So she'll just have half a day every day. By state law they can't teach the full day kids anymore than the half day so we aren't missing much.

When she starts she'll be at yet another school. Her fourth one in four years. Alyce will also get to ride the bus! Sadly with scheduling the way it is we think we will have to drop her off at school because Luke's preschool starts 10 minutes after Alyce's.

It's pretty cool she's going to be going to school 5 days a week. At the same point I'm kind of sad that she's growing up.

Sunflower

Last school year near the end of the year Alyce's class focused on plants. One by product of that subject was that each student got to take home a sunflower that they planted themselves.

When Alyce brought hers home it was a sad little plant so small yet full of hope. Hope that some day it would be big enough to make a flower. Well that day was today. After four or more months and numerous meetings with death Alyce's plant finally flowered!


They plant probably didn't reach it's full potential. I think most sun flowers can be upwards of 10 feet tall. This is probably 3' at best and has a wicked bend at the bottom. We didn't get it staked early enough to fix the bend.

Alyce has enjoyed this little project and has taken an interest in keeping it watered. Of course at times her attention wained and Mom and I had to drop a cup of water on it to keep it alive. We do really good at keeping outside plants alive. Interior ones are a different story. I'm kind of surprised we kept it alive this long.

First Day of School

Wednesday was Alyce's first day of her second year of preschool. She isn't going to the same school as last year as we moved last winter to our new town and school district. It is unfortunate that we had to pick her up from a known environment to something completely new and strange.

The first day of school this year was a bit hectic. Not really hectic for Alyce but more so for Mom and I. The day before we had just gotten back from a mini vacation and were not really prepared for school. Mom filled out all the necessary paperwork the night before. Also because we were gone we missed orientation for her school. I don't think we missed much but not knowing exactly where to go the first day is a bit unnerving.

Just like in years past we took pictures of Alyce on her first day with her new backpack on her shoulders all excited about what was to come. Luke managed to get into most of the shots but that's ok. I think he was excited for her. He'll get his turn soon. His school starts in September.

The environment at this school is different than her old school. At her old school the preschool room was a little cabin separated from the rest of the elementary school. It kind of had a Mr. Roger's feel that made you think you were part of a family rather than in a class. Whereas at the new school the classroom is in the lower level of the main building and the walls are cinder block. It has that "classroom" feel to it. Not to say it isn't inviting but you get the impression that they mean business. I may have that all wrong; it was only the first day.

When I got home from work that day I asked Alyce how her day at school went. She skipped and jumped towards me and said it was "awesome!". So I'm guessing she had a good time. I asked her what she did at school that day and she said that she played in the pretend area and pretended to be a cleaner. I'm not sure what that all entailed but more power to her if that is what she wanted to be.

Mom talking to her teacher got the scoop on her day. She said that Alyce had a good day, that she was really sweet, and played in the pretend area. While in the pretend area she tried on some fancy shoes. She went on to say that at the end of the day the class had a big bear hug and that kind of freaked her out. Mom and I weren't surprised to hear that.

Finally I heard from Alyce that one of the girls in her class had the same backpack. If this were prom that'd be horrible. However, I think Alyce thought that was pretty cool. The girl with the same pack pack, her name was Lana or Dana. I can't be sure which one it was because she was an identical twin. That should be interesting.

S'nores

Today when I got home from work I asked Alyce how her day at school was.  After a brief conversation Mom asked Alyce if she would tell me what their snack was.  Alyce, when she doesn't know the answer to something says "you know" and our usual response is "no we don't.  How about you tell us?".  Mom ended up whispering the answer "s'mores" to Alyce.  A few seconds later Alyce pipes up and says "s'nores!".  That was too cute to correct her so Mom and I let it go.  I then asked her to describe what a s'nore was.  She said it was some chocolate and a marsh mellow between two crackers.  When asked if it was yummy Alyce said yes.

At Alyce's school this week they are learning about camping.  Naturally s'mores come up in the conversation.  Today the boys hung out in one tent and the girls hung out in another.  As per Alyce the girl tent was a castle and it was for girls and not for boys.  Later in the week we are to bring in a sleeping bag and a flashlight if we have them.  We didn't have one for her but one trip to Walmart and $10 later we are the proud owner of a pink polka dot sleeping bag.

Next week are the end of the year festivities.  There is messy art day, water fun day, and family picnic day.  FYI grand parents reading this blog.  You are invited to family picnic day too!  May 23rd if you're interested.

After we got the sleeping bag we asked Alyce if she wanted to go camping outside.  She said no and that she wanted to go camping in her room instead.

Teacher Conference

Earlier this week Mom and I attended another parent teacher conference with Alyce's teacher.  Our first conference went well with discussions about Alyce's language development and interaction with the class.  This conference her teacher Ms. Mary talked about much Alyce has grown over the past year.  She showed us some drawings of people both at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year.

The second picture has much more detail.  Ms. Mary wrote down what Alyce had to say about the picture.  It was a picture of her dad with a heart and that she was happy to play video games with me.

Next, after the picture she showed us the results of the counting game the kids play.  I got the impression that Alyce doesn't play the game all that much and instead focuses on the art sections and sensory tables.  The game consisted of dumping some colored beans on the table and counting the ones that have the green side facing up.  Then taking that number and marking it on the appropriate box on a piece of paper.  To hear it explained to Mom and I we thought it was kind of a complex game and was most likely beyond Alyce's abilities.  We were wrong.  It turns out the few times Alyce played she was perfect in counting the right number of beans and recording in the proper location.

Ms. Mary also wrote some nice words about Alyce and her time at school.  Below is a copy of the letter.

Alyce enters the classroom quietly with her Dad ready to begin her day.  She chooses the art center and begins creating with all the materials available. Alyce's social skills have grown this year.  She is beginning to take the initiative to enter some play situations with her peers.  Occasionally, she still enjoys independent play, but she is beginning to interact with small groups of peers.

Although Alyce is quiet at school, as her confidence has grown so has her ability to make her needs known.  She is sharing information with the class during class meetings.  She asks for help when needed.  She wants to participate in all class activities.  When she is unsure of activities, she sometimes becomes easily frustrated and begins to cry.  During these times, she usually says she misses her mommy.  With extra encouragement from her teachers and peers, Alyce will watch to learn the activity.

Alyce enjoys sitting with her teachers and learning.  She is participating in pretend play in the dramatic play center.  She investigates the sensory tables.  She builds in the block center.  She joins peers at the writing center to explore the materials there.

Alyce is a very nice girl.  I have enjoyed watching her become more confident in the classroom setting!

We talked more about Alyce's growing confidence and her crying.  Ms. Mary related a story about Alyce where during meeting time Alyce's turn was missed or passed over by accident.  Rather than being reserved or shy Alyce belted out that it was her turn interrupting the sequence of events.  Ms. Mary went on to say that even though Alyce interrupted she applauded her for standing up for herself.

The crying seems to have been something that is showing up as of late.  Ms. Mary didn't dwell on this and I got the impression that it is just a phase that Alyce is going through.  I'm guessing new emotions are showing up and Alyce doesn't know how to cope with them.  So she turns to crying to vent.  I think once she can put what she is feeling to words or is able to rationalize those thoughts the crying will pass.

Hat Day

Today at Alyce's school was hat day. It was combination / information day about kids and cancer. If a kid brought in $.50 they got a sticker and could wear a hat. I don't know how much they talked to preschoolers about cancer but I'm sure the kids liked the change of pace.


Something interesting happened on the way to school. To get to Alyce's school we have to drive past a high school. This high school is currently undergoing some upgrades including adding some buildings. To facilitate the earth moving there were two excavators on site. As we drove past Alyce said "I see two diggers". I told her that I didn't see them. She said that "I'll see them next time". I asked her what those diggers were for? Her response was "to dig foundations". Alyce has been learning about construction at school and she's been into Bob the Builder but I didn't expect her to know what a foundation was let alone that you use an excavator to dig one.

Don't Step on a Crack

Lately when I have been taking Alyce to school she's been playing a new game when we get out of the car. Alyce has been jumping over each and every seam or crack in the concrete. To any bystanders it would look like Alyce is hoping and skipping to school.

This past week Alyce has been wanting me to join her in jumping over the cracks. Even though I feel kind of goofy it is fun because I can get her to giggle uncontrollably if I join in.

Alyce's Daddy Book

Tonight when I got home from work Alyce greeted me with her most recent artwork.  What she gave me was probably the sweetest thing I've ever gotten from her or from anyone.  At school the teachers stapled together a few pages of colored construction paper and then let the kids create their own book.  The subject matter of Alyce's book was me!

Every page of the book was a hand drawn picture of me.  In a few of the pictures I was holding hands with Alyce.  I asked her what we were doing when we were holding hands and she said that in the orange picture she and I were going for a walk and in the yellow picture we just got done playing.

Later Mom told me that after Alyce finished her book her teacher put it on the overhead projector and Alyce read / explained the book to the class.  Mom and I were both so very proud of her.



I don't have the words to describe what I felt when she showed me her book; flattered, proud, loved?  I do know that it was great.

School Pictures

Alyce is in school and gets to partake in the annual ritual that all kids get to enjoy, school pictures.  When preschool started we weren't sure Alyce was going to have class pictures.  We had seen announcements of school pictures on the school's sign but we weren't sure it applied to the preschoolers.  It turned out that we had to wait for picture retake day as the original picture day was on her preschool off day.

Mom and I thought the picture turned out great.  The picture just seemed to capture Alyce.  Her eye's weren't squinty, wasn't showing too much teeth, and looked genuinely happy to be there.

Parent Teacher Conference

A few weeks ago, before Thanksgiving Mom and I had our first parent teacher conference. This conference was with one of Alyce's teachers Ms. Mary. Alyce's other teacher is Ms. Kit.

This being our first parent teacher conference we didn't know what to expect. Maybe she was going to tell us that Alyce's coloring skills are sub par and we can cross Harvard off the list of possible schools. It turned out to be nothing like that. Ms. Mary talked to us about what they were doing in class and Alyce's level of development. We are happy to say that Alyce has mastered all aspects of physical development for a kid her age. Other skills like penmanship and coloring are also age appropriate.

Ms. Mary, Mom, and Myself went on in length talking about how Alyce likes to do jobs in the class. Every day in class the teacher pulls out a name and assigns a student to specific job like the line leader, caboose, cleanup inspector, and song picker. Ms. Mary was telling us that getting jobs is Alyce's very favorite part of class. She went on to say that she gets so gigged up for a job that she is crestfallen whenever her name isn't picked. I applaud Alyce's willingness to help out. When we ask Alyce after school what her job was that day and she didn't have one she says that she "had the day off".  The picture below is a scan of the inspection report submitted by Alyce to the rest of the class.

There was one area that Alyce is exhibiting some problems, speech development. Ms. Mary said that Alyce's speech development was not where it should be. She described Alyce as knowing what she wanted to say but would dance around the word she was trying to get out. Sadly I knew exactly what she was talking about as both my mother and I suffer from the same problem. Whenever we are in a stressed environment our minds lock up and we know the word we want to say but just can't seem to get it out. Another aspect of her speech problems is that her speech is very melodic. I'm not sure why melodic speech is a bad thing. Perhaps it is warning sign relating to other issues. We have a follow up visit with the special school department that should be able to determine whether this is a problem or if she is behind the curve. The overall effect of Alyce have decreased speech ability is that she isn't keeping up with the other kids in her class and is still playing by herself. I've these behavior occur on repeated occasions. After I drop her off some mornings I look at Alyce through the window to see what she does when I'm not around. A few times I've witnessed her standing there, watching the other kids, and waiting for something to spur her into action. After a minute or so she seems to have taken everything in, decides on a course of action, and joins in an activity.  It pains me to see her standing on the sidelines but it doesn't seem to bother her as she is always looking forward to going to school.

Welcome to School

Today Alyce missed her first of what I am sure is to be many day of school.  She started complaining of her throat hurting last night and was running a fever of 99.5.  This morning she was up to 100.5.  I knew that schools were breeding grounds for infection but picking up a bug on the 3rd day of school is hard to believe.

Alyce spent a good portion of last school year sick and we chalked it up as a necessary evil; something you had to endure so you wouldn't be sick all the time while in kindergarten.  I hope this streak of getting sick by being near sick  doesn't continue.  I don't remember always being sick where I pick up something right as I get over something else.  Maybe I was sick and just went to school anyway.  The policy at Alyce's preschool is that the kid has to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to class.  Somehow I doubt that all parents are following that guideline.

Here's to hoping my little girl gets better soon.  I'd hate for her to get sick on Monday, miss Wednesday and Friday, get better over the weekend, and start the process all over again the following Monday.

I Get to Take Alyce to School

This year I am taking on some of the responsibility of getting Alyce to school.  Last year Mom took Alyce to school and picked her up when it was over.  This year Alyce starts a bit earlier, 8:15 and that falls into the time I usually leave to go to work.  So I recommended that I take Alyce to school so Mom can have less stress in her morning.  I also want to be more attached to Alyce's school experience than I was last year.

Because different people are picking her up and dropping her off we had to get a second booster seat for Alyce.  Rather than getting another copy of her current booster seat we got her a pink, grey, and flowery version.  This one is pretty cool because it provides more head support than her current booster.  Mom and I are hoping that this will lead to her taking a few more naps on long car rides.

One of the best parts about taking Alyce to school is that she talks the whole way there about the things she wants to do at school.  She makes statements and also asks questions.  This morning she told me that she was going to make a picture of a happy face for both Mom and I.  She also said that she was going to make a picture of a purple butterfly.  As we were walking to the door I asked her if she was going to do anything else at school today.  After a thoughtful pause Alyce said "I think I am going to make a friend today".

Alyce's quest for new friends does seem to be bearing some fruit.  Alyce brought home an invitation from one of her classmates for a pool party on Friday after school.  The invitation was to the whole class and not singling out Alyce but any opportunity for Alyce to make friends is something we'd jump at.

Art and Learning

Even though Alyce has only been to school 3 times she is showing signs of learning new skills.  If not learning then advancement in her abilities.  Below are two examples of her advances.  The first one is a picture she drew using her magna doodle during nap time.  Mom came up to check on her and when she asked Alyce what that was a picture of Alyce replied "our dog Jake Man".  Even though it doesn't look like our dog it is pretty obvious she drew a face, ears, and legs.  The little squiggly bit to the left is supposed to be Jake's back legs.  Mom and I were very impressed with the picture.  Just months ago she was starting to draw shapes using crayons and paper.

The second example of Alyce learning things at school is that she has taken an interest in her own name.  Specifically how to spell it or reproduce it.  This weekend she and I sat down and I showed her each letter in her name and how to make it.  She tried for a bit but grew tired and moved on.  Today while playing with some paints at home Alyce managed to do a pretty good reproduction of her name.  If she would have jammed in an L she would have had the whole thing.

First Day of Preschool

Today was Alyce's first day of preschool.  Today she is taking the second step towards going to school on a full time basis.  Last year she attended Kids Day Out, a structured play environment that was to socialize Alyce, quash any separation anxiety, and give mom some time off.  Alyce is now going to preschool supplied by our public school system in the same school she will attend when she reaches kindergarten.  She attends school 3 days a week for 3 hours each day.  During that time the kids have free play, structured activities, time on the playground, and a snack.

School starts at 8:15 so our usual slow to rise morning routine has been usurped with a structured routine where we move Alyce from eating, dressing, and to grooming without any stops for toys or cartoons.  We didn't have any problems this morning with Alyce and her new schedule but I think she was way excited with going to her "new school" to give us any grief.  We've been building up preschool for the last few weeks and since orientation last Friday it has been at a feverish pitch.

Before we left for school we had to take the traditional first day of school picture. Comparing last year's picture to this year it is easy to see that our little girl has grown a few inches and grown out of her baby fat.

Dropping Alyce off at school was a complete nonevent.  The one thing Alyce wanted to do the most at school was to hang up her backpack on her hook.  Every kid has their own little locker with their name on it and they have a hook for coats and backpacks and a shelf for paperwork for Mom and I.  I'm not sure why she was so focused upon hanging up her stuff but she had been talking about it for days and was pleased when she finally did it.

After a quick hand washing (required of all kids and a brilliant idea) Alyce was off to play with a big pile of Play Doh.  At this time Mom and I said goodbye, gave a hug to Alyce, and left.  As we were walking out the door Alyce went back to playing as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.  So much for separation anxiety.

3 hours later Mom, Luke, and I were back to pick her up.  The parents all have to wait outside of the classroom for the kids to be released. After a minute out comes a slow trickle of kids with Alyce being somewhere in the middle.  She seemed happy to see us but I think she was a bit preoccupied.  She was preoccupied with the picture of a purple dragon that she had colored in class.  She told us that she colored it for Mommy which was sweet enough to melt your heart.  Talking to her teachers Miss Mary and Miss Kit about what she did in class totally surprised Mom and I.  They told us that Alyce enjoyed the finger paints the most.  When I think of my little girl, the one who doesn't like to get her hands dirty, the very thought of finger paints would make me say "yeah right".  But enjoy it she did, so much that she asked me later if she could play with the finger paints next time she goes to school.

After school, during lunch, we asked her all sorts of questions about her day.  The playground must be pretty cool because Alyce said they have a twisty slide that goes around and around.  Alyce played with some sand and the sand table, painted some pictures with finger paints and markers, played with some Play Doh, ate pretzels, and drank some chocolate milk.  In the eyes of a three year old I'd say that is the makings of a perfect day.

School Picnic

Tuesday we attended Alyce's last school function, the school picnic.  It was an event to celebrate the end of the school year.  I used it as an event where I could put faces and personalities to names.  It was also an event where I could see Alyce in an environment where I had no bearing on her personality.  With her school friends her actions are her own without me interjecting my opinion.

Pulling into the parking lot I got my first view of Alyce with her friends.  Alyce's friend Reagan got out of her van right next to ours.  Both kids rather than waiting for their parents like they should of took off and ran to the playground.  After a bit I caught up with Alyce at the playground where she was playing with another friend Aleana.  Alyce has said on multiple occasions that Aleana was her best friend.  Seeing the two play together I'd agree with her.  The girls ran all over the playground, down the slides, riding the merry-go-round, and swinging on swings.

After the playground time was over it was time for lunch.  Alyce and Aleana beat Mom and I to the pavilion and by the time we got there Alyce was sitting at a picnic table.  Right then Aleana being a great host grabbed cups of lemonade for Alyce and herself, how considerate.  Both girls sat next to each during lunch with Alyce finishing up eating and wearing a cookie.

With lunch being over Alyce and Aleana both ran off to ride the swings.  They both rode the big kid swings but I think Alyce liked the baby swings more because I could push her even higher without fear of her falling out.

After the second set of playing it was time for us to go and part ways with Alyce's friends.  With Alyce going to a different school next year we knew it was most likely the last time she'd see any of her friends.  For Aleana we are going to be separated by more than just schools.  Aleana and her family are moving to Phoenix this summer.  With one final hug between friends they parted.

Alyce has finished her first year of school.  School two days a week and 5 hours a day has made a huge impact.  She started the year a very shy kid with a pretty limited vocabulary.  She finishes the year speaking in full sentences, complete thoughts, made friends, and is potty trained!  Alyce has really blossomed being outside of the home and I am very thankful she had the opportunity to go to kids day out.  Next stop preschool!

School Pictures

Last week we received Alyce's school pictures.  The group picture is of all of Alyce's classmates.  The lucky or unlucky boy considering who you ask is Owen and the blonde with the white sweater is Aleana.  From the reports I get from Mom when she drops off Alyce at school Alyce is Aleana's friend as she can't keep talking about Alyce to her mother.  Alyce, however, barely makes mention of her so I can't say if the friendship is reciprocal.  I do hear that they play together at the playground so I would guess that Alyce considers her a friend as well.  Ms. Maria is their teacher. 

Artwork on the Refridgerator

Every day at school Alyce gets to make some artwork which is a picture colored with crayons.  On Tuesday after I saw her first piece of artwork Mom and I put it on the refrigerator because we were proud of it and of her.  Alyce didn't really know what to think when we did that.  I think she was more interested in the fact that a magnet was holding a piece of paper against the fridge.

After her second day of school last Thursday Alyce completed another picture.  She wasn't finished with it because once she got home Alyce continued to color it and left it on the table.  Later that afternoon when I got home from work I wanted to see Alyce's latest handiwork.  I asked Mom where it was and she said it was on the table.  Looking around I couldn't see it anywhere.  Mom and I tore through the house looking here, there, and everywhere for her creation.  Finally Mom looked towards the refrigerator and there in all its glory Alyce's latest picture.  She must have taken her picture when finished and put it on the fridge with her other artwork.

I think Alyce is very proud of her artwork.  I think she gets a lot of enjoyment from us putting them on the refrigerator.  Alyce will also pull the colorings off of the fridge and show them to Mom and I in a "look what I did" fashion.  I think this class is already paying off in that Alyce seems more self confident and proud of herself.

First Day of School

Today Alyce had her first day of school. It isn't kindergarten or even preschool instead she is going to Kid's Day Out. Kid's Day Out (K.D.O.) is a program put on by a lot of churches and schools in the area to get children out of the house, away from the parents, and socialized with other children. We wanted to give Alyce this experience because her access up to this point to children of similar age has been limited.


We've been gearing Alyce up for "school" for the past week since we had our orientation last Tuesday. To do this we have been telling her that she has school next week, that she will be able to play with other kids, and be able to color pretty pictures. On top of that her pink backpack arrived via the mail which has put Alyce in a frenzy.

Today is finally the day and I stayed home to record the event. We got Alyce into her clothes, fed, and out the door. Before zipping off to class we took a few pictures of her in front of the house. I'm not sure why parents do this. Both Mom's parents and my own took pictures of us in front of our childhood homes on our first days of school; here we are continuing the tradition.



Upon getting to school you could tell that Alyce was getting a little nervous. She has always been shy around new people and this was no exception. She was very quiet, looked around, and took stock of everything she saw. She took off her backpack and left it with the others then followed Mom down the hallway to her classroom. By the time I came into the room with Luke in tow Alyce was playing with toys with along side two other kids that arrived before us. Mom gave Alyce a kiss, hug, and some words of encouragement then took exit of the room and eventually the building. Alyce didn't come chasing after us tears streaming down her eyes so she must have been ok by herself in a room full of strangers. I'm thinking the orientation last week was beneficial in getting Alyce used to the teacher and other classmates.




Talking to Mom after the fact she said that she was close to tears twice but held them in. While I wasn't moved to tears I did find it both happy and sad that my little girl was growing up and leaving the nest if only for 2+ hours two days a week. I think this will be good for her and I'm looking forward to getting the scoop on how her first day of school went.