Our own State of The Way Things Are Today, sort of...

This is officially my 100th post.  Wow, for some reason that seems like a milestone that I should recognize.  :)  Looking back at this time last year, things are so different in so many ways.  All the changes are for the better, especially my own well being.  One of the biggest changes for us was Ethel starting Kindergarten.  We've enjoyed watching her throughout the school year as we all learn new things and adjust to a life tied to a public school calendar.

Ethel's report card came last Friday. I finally got to looking at it Sunday, oops. The "grading" system is basically 1-3, 3 being the highest. She got about 85% 3's, and the rest 2's. Her strengths are in execution, her not so strong area, like her Mommy growing up, is in confidence and voluntary participation. She's eager to learn, loves to read, is good with math (unlike her Mommy), and knows her stuff but isn't the one jumping out in class to do, say, or answer. That's fine, she's just shy in that environment, so it's not like she's lacking or behind or anything. Her teacher left a glowing note at the end of it, and even mentioned that it's evident that Ethel gets lots of support at home. The principal added a hand written note at the end, as well, giving her another pat on the back for a job well done, and encouraging her to keep up the good work. {insert warm fuzzy feeling here}

This made me feel really good. Good for Ethel and good for me, knowing that something we're doing at home is working for her. She's not an "at risk" kid, she's not lacking any capacities, she's a total sponge. The prescribed program at school is not something that is over her head or way beneath her skill set. She's on the right track, and I couldn't be more proud.

Then she surprised me the other night when she asked me if she could read more. She has caught wind of the number of minutes on the reading logs of her classmates, and wants to get more minutes on hers. That night, after months of "I'm too tired", "I can't read that much", and "It's too many words", she read to me like she'd never read before. Henny Penny has never sounded as cute as it did that night when she read it to me. She read for over 30 minutes, determined to read every word, really wanting to read as much as she could. It was so cool to watch. She wanted to read more, but I knew that she was spent after all that she'd just done, and the frustration and fatigue would catch up with her after just a few words of any other book. So she agreed to lights out, and went to bed, satisfied that she'd done a great job.  Last night, she powered through the first half of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. Wow. The influence of others.

I am still adjusting, as I did six years ago when I first left her in the care of others when I returned to work, to the fact that this little creature has a life outside the comfort of our home. She experiences things that are way beyond anything we've done or talked about at home. She is exposed to people, things, and concepts that are helping her grow and flourish, and I have little to do with her day.
I've always rather put it out of my mind that my children are doing things, seeing people, and learning when I'm not with them during the day. These tiny people have lives and relationships outside that of their small family unit. It's crazy to think that my kids had friends, people knew them, and others cared about them even before they could sit up on their own. I have only once or twice ever called their care givers to check on them during the day, even on their first days without me. I simply don't think about it. I focus on what's before me, and I guess that's kind of strange. How could a mom not cry when she goes back to work, when she sends her kids off to day care or a sitter, or even go on without worrying all the time about what her children are eating, if they're sleeping, if they're sharing and using their manners.....?

Ethel and Fred are mine. It's scary to think that they are becoming moreso of others, if that makes sense. They are part of the world, not just the inside of my house. I distinctly remember the first time I went to the basement with Ethel in my arms and it dawned on me, she'd never been in the basement. She'd been all over the house just about, but not the basement. It was like a revelation, as odd as that sounds. That's the kind of feeling I get when I think about her at school.
I haven't yet tried to picture her (until right now) out on the playground at recess, in the cafeteria at lunch, or walking in the hall at school. I can't bring myself to think about those things, or wonder what it's like for her. My obsessive tendencies will just take over.

Another reason this report card was so enlightening to me is the lack of feedback from Ethel about her day, her class, etc. I get snippets occaisionally, and they come at odd times. Like at bed time she'll talk about how a kid stepped on a book, or two kids got yellow the other day, or something that happened that stuck out in her mind. I know it's natural for kids to not want to talk all about their day when they get home, so I don't push it, but, without the daily report like you get from day care, there are huge chunks of time when I don't know what she's up to. It's interesting to see the overall impact of all that time that we're not together.

All this because I was witness to someone else's assessment of my child's life in school. An outsider's view of how my daughter interacts, how she measures up to predetermined standards of public education, and how pleasant a child she is to be around. All the fights at home, the whining and yelling and crying takes new shape when she and I hug and kiss goodbye. It's almost as if that hug and kiss wipe away all the bad habits, the defiance, the questioning Mommy's Word. Somehow, the rough road paved at home makes for smooth terrain for her when she journeys outside. She somehow exemplifies everything we work so hard to reveal at home, which we only see smatterings of in a given day. The comfort of home is a training ground, sometimes a battle ground, and everything outside that home is the proving ground. Enlightening is the moment when you see the words on the page describing a child who is polite, kind, vibrant, helpful, and caring, and one who reserves her inner excitement and vigor. Exciting is the moment when it dawns on you - - that child is mine. Shocking is the moment when you realize - OMG, I HAVE A KINDERGARTENER!! But I digress.....
The filter we wish for our children to have and use seems to appear in the presence of others, and sometimes I often wonder if we should ask a professional to confirm that we're not dealing with a case of dual personality. I realize that's not the case, because I realize that all our hard work, at home and at work and at school, is worth it. It's worth it when I see her smile, when I hear her voice, when she reads to me, and when she shows me a picture she drew at school and I know exactly what it is. It's worth it because people can tell me she is polite, she is funny, she is bright. There is an excitement about her that resonates whenever she's in the room. OK, sometimes that excitement manifests in tears, kicks, and screams, but there's no doubt that she gives it her all whether happy or sad or mad.

It was just one kindergarten report card. A simple report on how she's doing at the halfway point in the school year. It was just a piece of paper with someone else's benchmarking and someone else's judgement. Still, it really made me realize that this kid is amazing. And I'm a mom. Of a six year old. Holy crap.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 11 January

More on the Chronicles of the Lonely Kindergartener...

Tonight Ethel told me that she got to help make Thursday folders today.  The Thursday folder is a program that Principal instituted this school year in an attempt to get parents involved in the kids' schooling.  The Thursday folder comes home with each child on, you guessed it - Thursday.  The folder is to be emptied (and assumed that the parent(s)/guardian(s) will read what's included within) and returned to school on Friday.  Easy peasy!  Almost immediately, Principal announced that the return rate was over 75%.  Very cool.

To back track a little, Ethel has been a bit forlorn about her mornings alone in the office on days she takes the bus from day care.  I mentioned it to her teacher, Mrs. P, who said she would be happy to help come up with a solution for Ethel in the mornings.  Last Friday, I talked to the school secretary, Mrs. K, as well, since she's the one who has to stare at the poor kid in the morning and in the afternoon.  She was very sympathetic, and said that she does try to talk to Ethel, but Ethel is a bit shy sometimes (I know, it *is* a little difficult to believe if you've met her).  I told Mrs. K that I was not asking to break any child labor laws or get her on the payroll, but if there was something simple Ethel could help with, would she mind engaging Ethel.  That idea was met with wondrous approval, and Mrs. K said she'd start Monday morning with something for Ethel to help with.  I mentioned to Mrs. K that Mrs. P said she'd be willing to help give Ethel something to do, and she said they'd work together.  Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about!  Yeah!!!

So, Ethel finished her homework tonight and began playing in the kitchen while I made dinner.  While she was playing she started talking to me, and she told me she got to make Thursday folders today.  It dawned on me that she probably got to help Mrs. K in the office this morning!  Wow!!  Ethel began to tell me all about the Thursday folders, why they go home, what's in them, and she even knows how many students are in the school (a pretty accurate number).  It didn't strike me until she was done telling me about it, but when I realized that my talks with Mrs. P and K had resulted in something that Ethel would come home to brag about, I felt much better about Ethel's mornings before school on her day care days.  Ethel really didn't have much more to say about the Thursday folders, but I'll try to remember to ask her more about the activity when we get up tomorrow morning.

In other news, I was unable to make it to the PTO meeting tonight.  :(  I also missed last night's school board meeting.  Nothing like starting a home improvement project and giving yourselves one week to complete it, and doing so the week there are two meetings, the week I wanted to go running after work at least twice, and the week that we would get a pretty good snowfall.  The best laid plans..., right?  I should do better with my scheduling, I know, but I *will* do better from now on.  I can still write to the superintendent of the district, the school board president, and the president of the PTO to find out all the fun that I missed these past two nights.  Right?  Sure.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 6 January

Next topic: Scouting.

I was a Brownie, then a Girl Scout, as a kid. I still have my little box that I made to hold some of my things, including my dues bracelet. A small brown, leather thing I kept my quarters in, or whatever the change was that I needed. I have some pins, etc, and my handbook. Anyway, I asked if we had a troop at our school, and was given the name of the gal at the school who was coordinating getting a troop coming this spring. Wrote her on the 8th of December, no reply. I resent the mail the other day and got a reply. Here's what she said:
"I have not heard from the Girl Scouts representatives and am not sure what programs they would be bringing to {the school} this year. In the past, the Girl Scouts have joined us in the spring and headed on a couple different after school programs and activities for our girls. Last year they did the same and tried to organize a troop, but I believe it was difficult to get volunteers.

I know Girl Scouts and our students that participate in the Girl Scouts programs and activities appreciate any time or resources you are able to provide. Therefore, I will be providing your name to our Girl Scouts representative so that you are added to the list once we have more information about meetings, programs, and/or registration. In addition, I will make you aware of what Girl Scouts shares with me once we've communicated more clearly on the plans for this spring.

Thank you so much for your time, interest, and patience."

So, I may be joining the ranks of Girl Scout troop leader, or some sort of active member of a troop at our school. If they come. I'm continually amazed at how little participation there is at the school.

School board meeting is this coming Monday at 7PM. PTO meeting the next night at 6:30.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 5 January

Well, two weeks off was nice, but returning has been less than a picnic.

Monday night we all got home and Ethel was sitting at the table with Daddy and her homework was out on the table.

 

So, I read the days' homework for the week, and asked Ethel about a picture that was in her backpack. I was calm and friendly in tone, and she fell apart. Zero to bitch in zero. Weeping, sobbing, whining, you name it.

Have I just been teleported? Wasn't I just in my dining room with my daughter? Hm, must have taken a wrong turn somewhere between "This is a great picture" and "Did you do this today?".

This culminated in a 15 minute penalty box (room time, 15 mins) and Daddy had to hold the door shut (still the ghetto door, must find solution this month) amidst the crying and screaming and beating the door. Good times.

Last night we agreed to do Monday and Tuesday's home work, and we couldn't get past what to have for snack before homework. She wanted something we didn't have, and this resulted in collapsing to the floor, screaming, yelling, and being belligerent. Another penalty box plus another 5 minutes, locked in Fred's room b/c his door knob is turned around. In the end, she completed Tuesday's homework, so tonight we are left with Wednesday plus Monday (teacher collects it all on Friday).

She told me during dinner that she has been tired all day this week. Gee, ya think? She then fought me on dinner. Daddy rested the other spoon in the pasta, so there were two "brown spots" on her plate of pasta, and she wouldn't eat it unless we took it off. Mommy snapped. Off to bedtime we went. She was asleep by 7:10, despite fighting me when we first got into her room. This poor kid is so tired she can barely function by the time she gets home. I am so sad for her. I am so fed up.

So we talked about tonight in great length this morning. I told her what she would have for snack after school, I told her we would do both nights' homework, and I told her that since I work at home tomorrow, I don't have to wake her up before school tomorrow. I tried to prep her the best I could. Then another blow.

One of her classmates and friends moved before Christmas, and finished up his time at our school. He started at his new school this week, so she gets dropped off at school alone. Well, she's the only kid from our day care at this school now. Since she's in kindy and the kindy kids wait outside 'til the bell, we arranged for her to wait in the office. Her classmate used to wait in the office with her, so she had someone to talk to. She's told me in the past she doesn't like doing that, but, with another kid with her it wasn't too bad. Now, she's the single solitary kid in the office for about 25 minutes. The office staff are in there, teachers mill around, but she is the only kid, left to sit.

Wow, now if that isn't something to make a working mom feel guilty, I don't know what is. It just works out that our school has to get dropped off first based on distances and start times for all the schools they go to. It's unfortunate, but we worked it out this way at the beginning of the year. Next year Ethel will wait outside and this won't be an issue, but for now it's our reality. I feel so badly for her. I told her I'll call the school secretary and see if there's any chance Ethel can help with something, sit in the library, and I'll ask her teacher if she can help her teacher with something in the morning. I may even ask the principal about it next week at the PTO meeting. My heart breaks for her.

I'm hoping for a better ending to the week. We need our lives to return to some state similar to that which we were at before vacation. Ethel really needs it.

PTO Chronicles, 14 December

This is the PTO pres' first year as pres. It's the principal's first year at our school. OK.
At the October meeting, I offered to create a membership survey to give out at parent/teacher conferences (or whatever PC term they use for that). At the November meeting, two weeks before conferences, I was unable to attend but my neighbor said that they mentioned it, and status was - "still reviewing the form sent in by Mama Murtz". WTF? How long does it take to look at a Word document? I came to tonight's meeting prepared. Principal was there for the whole meeting (sweet!). At the "does anyone have questions or anything to talk about" point in the meeting, I asked about the form. "We haven't revisited that, but it's on our list". I said, "OK, well, I made copies to share tonight, why don't I pass it out?". OMG, you should have seen the looks on their faces. I told them I was happy to edit it, happy to do whatever to it, happy to e-mail it to the principal if that's what it needed, etc. They all loved it. Then, the secretary says, "We do have a form like this which we're working on and planning on rolling out.....it needs to be updated and the proper approvals...", to which I replied "What kind of approvals does it need?". She said, "Well, The Principal hasn't seen it yet", so I handed it to him!! OMG, he smiled so big, it was hysterical.

So, the conversation started about getting in front of the parents, getting the word out about the PTO, etc. Someone mentioned that the Jr. High has a position having to do with PR, and they all looked right at me and said, "There you go, you can do PR!" {insert social laughter here}. I later learned that when that was said, the pres whispered to the treasurer, "Wait 'til next year". OMG!!

These women appear to have zero interest in lighting the fire. One of E's classmate's moms walked out with me after the meeting and we chatted in the parking lot for a few. She is as shocked as I am about the lack of "umph" behind this PTO. I "get" that they were squelched before, but they have an influx of new blood, new administration, and interested parents!! They aren't taking the bait!

I am going to attend the school board meeting in January, and the next PTO meeting. The mom I walked out with was so flabbergasted, she said, "You're such a go-getter and they are just sitting there". I really am astounded at how little they are willing to jump on something.

I don't want to step on toes or anything, and I'm not the president or on the board, but we threw around ideas like confetti, and I mentioned that by the next meeting something should be decided on as to what kind of flyer or communication would go out to parents in the month of January. They weren't quite sure what to make of that. Really? OMG.

I am so frustrated, but, still inspired. There is so much good going on at that school right now. The principal outlined the progress they're making in the increasing test scores, and again stated the importance of his academic focus for the year. I really want him to succeed because I know he can bring the school to the level it should be at. Seriously, I know the school can do and be so much more than it is, they just need a cheerleader who will lead them to that point. Our PTO won't be getting them there with the attitude they have right now, that's for sure.

I'm glad I went tonight. Glad I spoke up. Glad I brought copies of the form I sent to them to look at in October!

Kindergarten (and PTO) Chronicles, 13 December

So I was talking to my friends when I visited them Saturday night. He, D, is on the school board in their area. I mentioned some of the things about our school, {small} PTO, high turnover in administrators, etc, and he suggested getting involved with the school board. Hm, I hadn't thought of that. By the end of our conversation, he had me considering running for a position on the school board. I might actually consider it!

So I'm going to look up the Board, see who is on it, etc, and possibly start writing to the superintendent about the school. I think our new principal is awesome, and I really hope he stays. He needs a good foundation, though, upon which to make the sweeping changes he's trying to make to get the school back on its feet, and I wouldn't mind being a part of that.

So, my research begins...

Kindergarten Chronicles, 8 December

OK, so last Friday we got a note home in E's folder saying that she was sent home w/an extra library book b/c she would be taking a test Monday (the 6th) for accelerated reading (AR)! WOO HOOO!

She was to read this book and become comfortable with reading it and understanding it, and the test would be Monday. While she still denies taking the test (I think it was structured more in a "let's sit and read this book, E" kind of way), she did take it yesterday (the 7th).

She got 100%!!!! Her teacher said the did "AWESOME" and that she was very confident. I believe this means that she'll get harder books to take home, but I don't know what more the AR will entail, so I'll have to ask the teacher when I see her tomorrow.

Ethel has been doing great at school still, aside from the reading. She loves it, she loves going, and she loves her friends there. I think she's really thriving.

We're going to stock up on books at the library this weekend to take on our trip to my mom's. I can't wait for her to read to my mom!!

Kindergarten Chronicles, 25 October

On top of the great report from her teacher last week, Ethel is the lucky kid who got to bring home the Mystery Bag for class. Each child will get the bag 1-2 times this school year. They are to bring an item from home in the bag, and the class has to guess what the item is that's in the bag. It can be anything, and the kids are encouraged to write down five clues to give their classmates to help them guess what's in the bag.

Ethel could not wait to do this. She came up with tons of ideas for what to bring in the bag, but, finally settled on a plastic, purple Barbie car that was handed down from the girls next door. She dilligently wrote out all five clues, all of which she came up with on her own. I helped her spell a few words, and she did awesome.

I can't wait to hear about how it went today and if any of them guessed what she brought.

{Insert update on the Mystery Bag - someone aparently guessed by clue 3.  She was pleased, and can't wait to bring home the Bag later this school year}

Kindergarten Chronicles, 21 October

It's been waaaaay too long since I posted on kindy.

Ethel has kept up really well with doing her homework every night when we get home, and so have I. Daddy is awesome about getting her to do her homework before they go get Fred from day care on Mondays. Ethel's good at her math, her reading, and her spelling.

I went to the second PTO meeting last week. Sadly, I'd filled out the form to volunteer at last Friday's Fall Festival, but they didn't call me about it until the night before. They need to get a bit more organized, and get more people in there that can help them out with things like calling parents, etc. The principal suggested a volunteer/interest survey to give to parents this week during goal sharing (p/t conferences). I created the form and sent it to the one lady on the board, and as of last Friday night, she still hadn't talked to the president about it. Good Lord! Anyway, I can see many ways to be helpful to them, I just have to weasel my way in and light the fire. I don't know if they do box tops or any other stuff like that, but, I'm going to propose it next meeting.

OK, so speaking of conferences, E's was last night. Daddy signed up and insisted on going. These goal sharing sessions are for parents, teachers, and the kids, so Ethel went with Daddy. Daddy was beaming when he got home. Mrs. P started by saying that she wished all her conferences were going to be as easy at Ethel's. She wishes she had a class full of Ethels. She asked Ethel if there is anything E doesn't like at the school and in kindy. E said nothing, she likes everything!

Ethel and one of her girlfriends are the two that help Mrs. P with games in the classroom, who consistently do well on homework and 'tests', and who are top of the line in the behaviour area. They come up with ideas and they participate in class. !!!! Mrs. P couldn't say enough to let us know how well Ethel is doing. She showed Daddy where Ethel tested on DIBELS (http://www.dibels.org/dibels.html) for the first three months of school. They want the kids at 40 and above by the end of the school year for LNF (letter naming fluency), and Ethel is at 32 right now. The goal for mid-school year (months 4-6) is 18 and above (for the highest). They will test for PSF and NWF-CLS {phenome segmentation fluency / nonsense word fluency} in the middle of the year, and Mrs. P said she doesn't think Ethel will have any problem meeting and exceeding the goals.

HOLY CRAP!! I am so insanely proud of her. Not just for the test score, but for the fact that she is cooperative and on point with behaviour. Ethel loves school and when I asked her what kinds of things she wants to learn more in kindy she said math and reading harder words. I expected her to say tie shoes and zip her jacket without help! LOL

I'm just really excited. It rather makes me feel better about having to have had her in day care all these years, and have to credit the curriculum there for her progress in kindy so far. She had a good groundwork laid in her early development, and is certainly thriving in the kindy environment.

I feel so good about this conference, and am looking forward to her report card when it comes in December.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 24 September

A quick report of this week.

Night before last, Ethel came in our room about 3/3:15AM. Not entirely unusual. I plopped her between us and tried to fall asleep. I kept feeling a tiny little tap, tap, tap, on my forearm. I ignored it b/c I didn't want to get to talking with Ethel. Finally she said, "Mommy, guess what. I got a 100% today at school.". It was so sweet and she was so sincere and proud. Of course, at 3-something AM, I could have waited to hear this, but, I kissed her tiny forehead and told her how wonderful that is, and we could share more about it when we sat down for breakfast.

So, yesterday at bed time she decided to tell me that some of the kids in her class hit the books. They just pick them up and hit them. Odd. Anyway, we've always stressed that books are very important, we don't stand on them, tear them, mistreat them in any way. She takes this very seriously. She seemed pretty upset about what the kids do to the books as she told me this. Somehow, the conversation drifted to the way the kids have to walk in the hallway when they go from room to room, etc. She, very adorably, put one finger over her lips (like a "sshhh"), and one hand on her hip, telling me they walk in a line doing "Hips and Lips". OMG, it was so cute.

Bit by bit she's opening up the window to her daily life at school, and even at 3-something AM, I'm very glad she's doing so.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 22 September

OK, I've kept up quite well lately. Ethel, though, has gone into a lunch funk. Today all she has is a string cheese and a Rice Krispie thing from the 100 cal pack. Oh, and she'll get milk. She hasn't eaten her sammie the last two days, so I told her I wasn't packing one today. That was fine with her, she said that yesterday she was talking and had to go to the bathroom during lunch so didn't have time. What is it with just eating your friggin lunch? Ugh.

We're doing well with homework, too. Last night we had a little hiccup, but we got over that hurdle and she did the homework wonderfully. She even colored the bunnies with green ears and orange bodies because "bunnies like carrots". It was so cute.

She's reading more at night now. This reading log we have to complete is awesome. I bring her "Book Buddy" bag into her room when we're doing bedtime routine, and each day she brings home a different little book from the classroom. She reads that first, then either I read her a book, or she continues with a different book. This past Saturday, she even read to her brother for 30 minutes! Some of the books she didn't actually read, she made up the stories, but they sat with books for 30 minutes. They both loved it. I was so proud of her.

We've been getting to bed by 8PM at the very latest. Sometimes I let her keep her light on for 10 minutes after we're done with our routine and she looks at books, or she plays with a few stuffed animals or something on her bed. I figure as long as she's quiet and in her room, 10 minutes doesn't throw us off course.

I need to get organized and get out some of the home activities that the teacher sent home the first week of school. It's things like sight words, penmanship practice, stuff like that. These are things I can have her doing in the mornings before school on the days we're at home, since we have a few hours to kill before we take her to school. We'll see.

Yesterday, we asked Ethel if they'd seen a video with the President in it. The school sent home letters to parents advising of the Obama video being played again this year, giving parents an opt out option. We chose to let her see it. When I asked her about it last night, it took her a while to remember it. When she did, she asked, "What's his name?". She said the subject matter was about acting in a way that shows respect for others, and being kind. That was all she had to say about that.

Overall, still going very well!!

Kindergarten (and PTO) Chronicles, 15 September

I went to the PTO meeting last night, and I have to say I was really pleased. First, allow me to pledge my love for Dr. S (Principal). As an administrator, he's got his head on straight and in the right direction. He has a mission and has already made some drastic changes, and I really get the feeling that the staff is on the same page and appreciates having him.

Dr. S was there at the start, as were two of the teachers. The teachers left after a few minutes, Dr. S stayed a little longer and spoke a little, and then he was able to leave. After that, the three ladies of the PTO introduced what they do, the budget {which is horrendously small}, thanked the parents who were there {I think there were maybe 8 of us}, and we all talked.

There is so little parental support of the school, students, and PTO, it's amazing. Due to the 5 principals in 5 years, and the horrible job the last one did, the PTO almost gave up last year. Last year's Principal, Mrs. H, didn't want the PTO and basically shot them down all the time, and severely limited what they could do. These ladies who lead the PTO are so thankful for Dr. S. He talks to them, he walks around the school, he attended last night's meeting, he encouraged them {PTO} to communicate with the school and the parents, it was amazing to watch.

The meeting was great. There were two dads there which was awesome. One of them has a daughter in Ehtel's class, and the way he talked about how excited he is about his daughter being in school was very cool. It's so nice to hear a parent talk like that about their kids. Anyway, most of the parents have kids in the early grades, so will be at the school a while (in theory). The attendance last night was a record high number of parents, and the PTO ladies said they're usually hopeful they get one parent, and that doesn't even usually happen. There were ideas flying around the room like paper airplanes. Awesome.

There is no "membership", there is no formal organization aside from the fact that there is a President, Secretary, and Treasurer. I suggested that they start their own newsletter and not only include the three 'officers', but, list other parents who are involved (ie: those who return next month, those who volunteer, whatever), so that they can start to exhibit themselves as a group, they liked that. Dr. S also told them that they could have their own newsletter(s) and distribute as they felt necessary, which was news to these ladies b/c the last principal wouldn't let them send things out last year. Crazy!

Anyway, I am going back to the next meeting. I suggested that they have a simple open house to welcome parents on a night that's not a formal "meeting", which might attract more parents. We talked about all the fun programs that the school used to do, which recent administrators, and the influx of low income families, have basically prevented the school from continuing, and we all thought such things needed to be reintroduced. One of the moms there has a kindy kid if I remember correctly, but has a 7th grader who was at the school that Dr. S just came from, and she shared a lot of what their PTO used to do, so that rocked, too.

M, the Prez, said that she was totally overwhelmed with how many parents were there and all the ideas that came out. She is very nice. They all said that they are not used to getting any help, so if parents could just give like an hour of time at the things that the PTO puts on, it would be a huge help. Personally, the PTO needs an influx of money, and it's totally appalling to me that they are so limited in what they can do (ie: fundraising, etc) because of how little money the families have, it really makes me sick. They used to do real fund raisers like World's Finest Chocolates, etc, but they can't any more b/c more than 50% of the families there are low income. WTF?!?!?!!?

These women are not the Wisteria Lane PTO that some PTO's tend to be. The ladies are very real, and have struggled to make the PTO work in an environment which has been less than supportive of their cause for several years. I'm looking forward to being a part of it, inasmuch as I can as a working mom.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 13 September

We finally eliminated the battles over homework. New routine is as follows:
Come home
Sit at table with snack, and go over homework
Do homework before leaving the table
After homework, then play

Worked out well for Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are easier b/c I'm home and we're not coming home and getting through dinner prep, etc immediately. There's a little more time those days. So, we now move forward with our routine.

Ethel spent some time before school last week drawing pictures. One of the pics she drew was of a sign with the school's name on it. As it turns out, the school secretary took the picture and has it up on a display board in the school's office. Big grin.

Last week Mrs P introduced the "poetry folder". Each week they have a new poem they work on. They have to read it, recite it, and by the end of the week say it without looking at it. Ethel knew last week's before she even opened the folder, she was so excited, too.

They have a reading 'bag' that they bring home each week, and a reading log that's due each Monday. We've kept up with it pretty well, but, I tend to forget to write down all the books we read. Have to make a better note to do that often. I think on weekends, I'll sit down and read in the morning, and have Ethel do the same. That way we'll both get our reading time in, and Mommy will have some relaxing time. Well, that's my hope for now.

We have a huge stack of papers Mrs. P sent home in the beginning of the year which are sight words, handwriting practice pages, and other things that Ethel needs to work on. I think I'm going to add one of them each evening while she does her homework.

Tomorrow night is the first PTO meeting and I'm going to go. I really want to be involved as much as I can as a working parent. I'd like Daddy to do it, too, but, one of us has to be home with the kids, so I'll go to the meeting and maybe just sign us both up.

Ethel's started to finish her lunches, too. She was complaining that there wasn't enough time to eat everything, which I knew was more b/c the kids are all talking and stuff moreso than time being short. She can now finish a sandwich, string cheese, a side like yogurt or whatever, and a snack pack (Cheez Its, Grasshoppers, etc). Not too bad. I am going to make pudding this week to start adding to her lunches, which I think she'll enjoy. She told me last week she wanted to bring a water bottle and not get milk. Her words were something like, "I want to have a drink like the other kids have, water or a juice box. I don't want to get chocolate milk all the time". Sigh. I told her she could get regular milk, but it's not the kind of milk, it's milk itself that she's tiring of. LOL So Friday she got a bottle of water. I'll have to try to get her a resusable water thingy this weekend, I guess.

Aside from all that, we're both doing well now that we've got a nice routine going. Tomorrow is picture day. Cha-ching ($$). Hope we don't have to pay 'til the pics come in. LOL

Kindergarten Chronicles, 8 September

Well, last night was a downer for me. Ethel brought home her homework. They get homework that has to be returned each Friday. The teacher sent home a note with what should be done each evening, or at least completed by Friday. Last night was to draw a picture of someone talking on the phone, and write their phone number. Oh, and write their name at the top of the page.

Wouldn't you know it, Ethelzx threw a fit over writing her name. She sat in her chair, inching toward me as she swung her leg as if to kick me, and when that didn't work she swung her arm at me as if to hit me, inching closer to me until she did hit me.

Now, we've been in bed at 7:30 each night (her bewitching hour), she gets a snack after we get home from day care, or after school on my stay home days. I let her play with her brother when she gets home. I have to make dinner when we get home so doing homework after we get home from day care is not truly an option. We started last night after dinner. Everyone was fed, everyone was calm, rested, seemingly happy. I talked about what Mrs. P wanted and what the homework was about, and we talked about our phone number. She was looking forward to drawing the picture and writing her number. Until I put the paper in front of her.

This is exactly what I feared. She and I fought, I sent her to her room, and threatened her with sending the homework back incomplete b/c of her attitude. That was enough to get her to stay in her room, after three minutes of her literally running into me and bouncing off me repeatedly while I blocked the doorway (her door doesn't latch).

OK, who battles like this over drawing a fucking picture and writing their name? It's not over inability, she does these things all the time! When she finally drew the picture, it was awesome, and she wrote the numbers perfectly.

So, day one of homework and we've already had a battle royale. I'm just so "thrilled" to have the rest of her school career with her and her homework. NOT!

Becoming a runner, 11 and 20 Sept

11 Sept
With Daddy out of town this weekend, I wasn't sure if I'd get out for my morning run. Well, I did!

My Garmin calculated the distance of my route at 3.85 miles. I did the 3/4 mile path 2x non-stop at a pretty good clip. In order to add distance to my route and work up toward a 10K, I'll weave differently through the neighborhood, or go past my house and wind back. We'll see. And next week, I am going to use the heart rate monitor on the Garmin.

I am really interested in starting a Girls On The Run location near me, but, the coaches have to be there for each practice and they happen right after school for an hour. Working won't allow me to do that. Craptastic. Will have to see what I can figure out. Apps for spring are due by Sept 30th, and they don't add new locations in fall, so I'll have to wait a whole year if I can't do it this year. That's OK, it gives me more time to devise a plan.

20 Sept
Wow, one week made a huge difference, but not a good one. Well, that's not exactly true. Let me preface this by saying, I must remember to go to the bathroom before I run, even if I don't feel the need at the time. That was one thing. Another thing was that my pace was much slower this week and I'm not entirely sure why.

I tried to focus a bit on my gait and stride, but not the whole time. Still, I think it did take my attention away from my pace and speed. That's OK, though. I need to remember, that's OK. I need to have good technique to improve, and I have to remember that. My competitive side is coming out like nobody's business, it's so strange.

Anyway, my pace was pretty steady the whole run, which is an improvement over the past. I didn't start quicker and slow down, nor the opposite. That was a very good thing. Now if I can do it steadily and faster, I'll be very happy!

I bought an arm band for my iPod Touch, and it was nice not having to hold it. A little odd feeling, but, overall a good one.

I ran the first 2.75 miles straight before feeling the need to slow/walk because I had to go to the bathroom. I knew that I needed to slow my body down before it was too late. I did make it all the way home, but I had to regain control of my body first. Not more than 1/4 mile, and I ran the entire rest of the way home. Not too bad.

So, for the first time that I've run that little of the 3.85 miles, my total time was 37 minutes and change. I was disappointed in the time, but when I saw that my pace was pretty even the whole time, it made me feel better.

My feet were fine the whole time, the bra isn't rubbing any more, and I'm getting used to where the new shorts ride on me when I'm running. The Garmin is, as always, amazing and cool.

Next 5k is October 2nd, and I am thinking of a Halloween one, too. Thought about a 10K in November, but will see how the October race goes before picking a race.

Becoming a runner, race #3

So, today was my third 5K of the season. I got my period last night, and had four kids and my husband with me (sitting for my girlfriend's 9 and 6). I hoped to break my 30 minutes, but thought perhaps I might miss the mark with my period on board. In the end, I timed in at about 29 minutes and change. I don't know exactly, but am hoping for the race times to post online soon since I didn't stick around to see them if they were posted at the race. Either way, I told myself that I wanted to break 30 minutes, then I'd work toward a 10K. We'll see how that goes!!

Race times posted, and I DID break 30 minutes!

Official time of 29:24


I got to the race and had an optical migraine. First one I've had in quite a long time. This one was c-shaped, in my right eye, open to the left side (so, a backward 'c'). I was worried when I got there that this might be a problem, but, by the time the race went off, the aura was gone from my field of vision entirely. It took about 15-20 minutes, but it did go away.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 7 September

Mommy continues to be up to par with this school thing. Yeah!

Mrs. P put a note in the folder last week asking for stamped, addressed envelopes for a card making/sending project the kids are doing. She said it was a hit last year. The kids will make a greeting card and send it to grandparents/whomever we choose. I actually remembered to address and stamp three envelopes this morning; one for my mom, one for my uncle, and one for Daddy's aunt. I know they'll love to get something like this.

This morning, I also remembered to put lunch money in her folder for her account. We remembered to read this weekend, but I didn't remember the reading log each night. I filled in what I remembered last night.

Ethel picked out her outfits last night and was really enthusiastic. She picked all dresses basically. She never does that, I thought it was cute.

I've narrowed down her best bed time, and it's lights out by 7:30PM. Anything later than that and she's a basket case by 7:45.

Looking forward to hearing how her day is today!

Kindergarten Chronicles, Day 6

Day 6
Went well. After her dentist trip, she opted to draw teeth yesterday morning, and brought her artwork to class. The teacher put it up on the bulletin board in the classroom. This morning the teacher told me that after their last class period of the day they have about 10 minutes "down time" during which she ends up showing the kids what others brought in, like E's pictures. In winter, this 10 minutes will be used to get the kids suited up to go home, but, for now, she said it's the perfect opportunity to do a sort of show and tell, talk about the day, and regroup the kids. She said they talk about stuff, show what they brought, stuff like that. It was cute to hear that.

Last night was a parents' night where the principal spoke to the parents for about 30 minutes, then the parents went to their kids' classrooms and went over curriculum and classroom particulars for another 30. We got the school calendar, and other information about the school discipline and behaviour code, curricular goals, and expectations of the families. This is very interesting to me, to be honest. This new principal (not new to the district, just to the school) has an agenda and is on a mission to implement positive changes. We are an opt-out school and the overall test scores for the school are very low with the changes in the ISAT test a few years ago, as well as other factors. He has implemented an entire 1/2 day dedicated to literacy (reading/writing/etc) and a full hour of instruction in math - every single day, from K-5. This is just the minimum expectation for each, and more time is given as needed. He emphasized the importance of reading at home every day, and the importance of family involvement in the kids' education. Reading is a key factor in his goals, and he certainly has a positive vibe about himself. He's gently spoken, but not wussy, and is serious about raising not only the school's overall test scores, but, raising the bar in all categories in the school. This makes me very, very happy. In talking with E's teacher this AM, she said she likes him, and there's a good vibe. She said he's out to make good changes and she is pleased with the way things are going. I mentioned staff retention, and she thinks that won't be an issue. Good!! She is impressed, herself, with him and his plan, and his implementation. Yeah!!

This principal was at a different school in the district for the last 8 years, bringing them to blue ribbon status. He's been wanting to get to our school for quite some time, from what I've heard, and our school has had five principals just since Ethel was born. With the changes, many academic goals for the school were not set, were missed, or were just overlooked. This guy is in for the long haul and wants to make the school on par with others in the district, and that's something that excites me to no end. Makes me want to get really involved to help meet those goals. Some things that I wish we could change are the number of homeless (veiled undocumented), non-English speaking, and (very) low income students, but I know that is not something the school can change. This is my own personal bias, but it is a majority of what is keeping the school's performance at a level that is not quite in line with the rest of the district. I have never seen so much push and talk encouraging all families to apply for free/discounted lunches. There are soooo many kids who get the free/discounted lunches, it's mind boggling to me. The school boundaries include some seriously low income apartments, too, where a good percentage of the student population live. I think the principal recognizes the needs of the students and families and is rallying the staff to try to get the families more involved.

Anyway...

So we heard the principal's message and loved it. Daddy sat in with the teacher as I had to relieve the sitter, and she basically went over the classroom operations and such. We got a nice packet of stuff, including picture day info which will be Sept 14th. All in all, a great parent night.

Kaitlin had another good day yesterday.  Ethel claims to not have enough time to eat all her food, so the last two days has only asked for string cheese and a dessert. Um, whatever kid. Today I packed 1/2 a PB&Nutella sammie, string cheese, yogurt, and a 100 cal pack of Grasshoppers. Turns out her teachers gets them to the cafeteria, opens containers and milks, then leaves them to their lunches. At least I know she gets her milk opened for her, which is nice. I have to admit sometimes *I* can't open those damn things. I also told Ethel this morning that she needs to be quicker when she eats, to which I got a resounding, "But Mommy, there's still not enough time". Blah blah blah, kid - step it up and eat!!

Either way, her teacher is pleased with her responsibility, her attentiveness, and eagerness to learn, as well as her skill with drawing. I briefly met the art teacher last night who is now looking forward to meeting and instructing Ethel this year. Ethel also reminded me of her love for music last night, and how much she enjoyed music class yesterday. Yeah!!

I'm really excited about this school year. The principal said this isn't "another" school year, this is a *new* year, and we all have a renewed effort to make the school a better place to learn and thrive. I'm quite happy.

Becoming a runner, race #2

In 2010 I revived my love of running.  Beginning in July, I started a new routine of weekly runs, and have made investments to aid my progress.  I will start to add posts about this journey, one or two a day, until I'm caught up to current.  Enjoy.

22 August
I did my first 5K in years this July 4th, and decided to keep doing them. Despite how crazy I thought a friend was when they told me that they were doing a 5K each month, that's the track I'm on. I love it! Next year I'd like to try for a 10K.

So yesterday I did this one on the lakefront and it was awesome. It was hella humid, and the fog coming off the lake was kind of Phantom of the Opera, but, very pretty. I wasn't nervous 'til we got to the start line and I realized I was way up front for the start. I had just added a Black Eyed Peas song to my iPod Touch that I run with, and holy crap - between adrenaline and the Peas, I started out like a bat out of hell! LOL

Felt good the whole way. I need new shoes, though, b/c right around the 2.5 mile mark is when the ball of my foot (either foot) goes numb then hurts. I walked a bit at that point, but, not more than a few yards. Finished in pretty good time, too! I have a personal best in a 3.5 miler of 29 minutes and change (of course, before kids, but still). So I know I can do a 5K in less than that, and that's what I'm working toward. I just found my posted results from yesterday. It's my first race I've done with chip timing, and I have to say I love it. I estimated that I was doing 10 minute miles, and that's about right. I came in 4th in my age bracket (35-39), which I was totally surprised to see!
My next one is at a local festival Labor Day weekend. I am going to try and go get new shoes today, and yesterday I gave into impulse and ordered a Garmin Forerunner 305. I've seen it in action, and heard great things about it, and I couldn't resist. Now for shoes, new shorts, and a decent sports bra to replace my current one which is older than dirt.

After this next one, there's a couple in October I'm looking at, and then I'll pick a turkey trot, and after that I may do one in early December. I've never run like this in winter, so I'm anxious to see how it goes.

I'm glad I'm running again, it feels great. Now I have to work on going out more than once a week and keeping up with it in foul weather. Will find a track soon where I can use the indoor track for free, and see how that goes. I don't like track running, but it's better than not running at all.

Kindergarten Chronicles

Wednesday, 1 September

Day 5

First trip to the dentist (hope the school appreciates it), and she did great! Stupid Mommy forgot her camera and kicked herself all the way home, but, Ethel reassured me that we can take pictures next time. LOL

She was so good and really liked her first visit. She got the tooth tickler, Mr. Thirsty, and the water and air guns. Loved them all. She was particularly excited to go to the treasure box at the end, and to receive her toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. It was a great visit. They even found that her bottom front teeth are loose. I almost cried when she said it. Ethel didn't even know they were loose, but, she grinned from ear to ear when they told her the tooth fairy would be coming to her house pretty soon. I mentioned her fall in March when she busted her head and lip, and the gums and teeth all look great today, so that is a nice thing to know.

Ethel has been reporting about a little boy in her class who seems to cause plenty of mischief. One day he was poking her, and everyone. The next day he wasn't listening and couldn't go to "specials" (a rotation of gym, music, library). Today he said "stupid" and "shut up" and had to get extra quiet time laying on the rug after recess. Ethel does the right thing and tells him to stop and not to do x, y, z, and it appears that he gets his punishments accordingly. I'm feeling good about the enforcement of the behaviour code. I mentioned to Ethel that perhaps this boy could use another friend, and she might want to try to talk to him one day. She didn't really think that was cool, but I encouraged her to try to remember that maybe he just needs some good friends and then maybe he'll stop bothering the other kids. We'll see how that goes later.

Ethel got a piece of candy (some Smarties) for being good today. The teacher told me how responsible Ethel was today in telling the teacher that I would be picking her up and not the day care, since we had the dentist appt. I felt so good about that. I don't believe candy is her main incentive, but it was nice that Ethel got something special. She said not every kid got some and she seemed really proud of herself, as she should have been.

She brought home a book in a bag, a Book Buddy, with a reading log sheet for us to complete for this week. She actually got it out in the car on the way home from the dentist, and then read it to me at bed time. We filled in the log, and included the two stories I read to her, one of which she "helped" read. She said the book was easy ("Panda Friends", about 10 pages, 3-4 words/page). I think the teacher is trying to gauge where the kids are at with reading. I was just so tickled that she wanted to pull the book out in the car.

I reminded her that she is grounded tonight, and we came home and stayed inside instead of going out to play with her friend, or having them come in. Not playing with her friend is quite the penalty, so I opted for that rather than making her stay in her room (where I can't lock the door). I let the kids play with PlayDoh while I made dinner, then they watched a show until I had everything on the table. We had a nice dinner, me and the kids, then we headed up for a bath. Ethel and I read books for bed time, and she didn't give me any grief about lights out at 7:30. She probably took about an hour to fall asleep, but, she fell asleep nicely. Fred got some Daddy time at bed time, and the house was quiet by 8:15 (after they'd sung to themselves and told stories, etc).

Looking forward to another great day for her tomorrow.

Kindergarten Chronicles

Monday, Tuesday, 30 & 31 August

Day 3 was a good one. Ethel left 1/2 her sandwhich and didn't eat her yogurt. I figured she just didn't eat it, or they are so busy chatting during lunch, they just don't eat. Ethel told me, though, she didn't have enough time to eat all her lunch, and then she couldn't find her spoon for her yogurt. She'd forgotten where Daddy showed her to find it in the front pocket of her lunch bag. Poor kid. Between the excitement of being in the cafeteria and talking to friends, and eating in this cool place, the time is limited. So, today she chose a sammie, one string cheese (instead of 2), and a "dessert" (one of the 100 calorie packs of Cheez-Its). She was totally exhausted last night and we had a mini-meltdown, but, bed time was awesome. She and I played with Legos for a while and she added smatterings of her day while we talked. She talked about a kid who was poking her in the afternoon, resulting in him getting a "yellow", which is apparently part of Mrs. P's behaviour code of red, yellow, green. I'm sure you get the idea.

This morning went well. Our first day doing the day care van to school. Two of her day care classmates go to her school, they're in 1st and kindy. I told E to look to them if she had questions about where to go or what to do. Apparently about 8AM she asked a teacher, "Are A and M still coming? I need to know how to get to school.". OMG, so cute. They told her yes, they'd be to day care about 8:30, right before the van left. And they were. Their mom (A & M's mom) told me in e-mail today that M (the kindy) was telling Ethel all about the van and where they'll go when they get dropped off and where they'll go when school is out, she said it was really cute.

I remembered late in the morning that I hadn't filled her food account, so I'm hoping she whipped out the $0.30 in her lunch bag for her milk today. Otherwise, she'll roll with the punches today and then let it out on me tonight, which is fine. Mommy needs to get on the ball there.

I can't wait to get the kids tonight. Potty boot camp day 2 for Fred, and E's first day riding the day care bus to school. Woo hoo.

{later that evening...}

Transition going rougher than earlier thought.

Day 4
Came home with seemingly happy child, until...I don't know...the wind blowed? The minute hand swept? I looked at her? Then, suddenly, all hell broke loose. Ended up with a grounded little girl who must go right to her room for the next two nights, and must return to her room after dinner. Not sure where the defiance, "NO!", and slapping Mommy came from tonight, but, I'm nipping it all in the bud. I have tried my best to spend time with her, talking about her day without pestering her (because I know she's spent), and trying to have a calm evening after school while she gets used to the whole deal. I know it will be a big adjustment, but I didn't expect to have this kind of thing going on.

Tomorrow is another day. And it's Mac & Cheese night. Hope it all goes down a lot better than it did tonight.

Kindergarten Chronicles, 27 August, '10

Friday, 27 August

Day 2 - great day. She is so loving school (even just on the 2nd day).

First call from the school nurse just now. She introduced herself, immediately said, "Ethel is OK, she's fine, nothing is wrong" - WHEW! Ethel and another kid bonked heads at recess. They applied ice, TLC, and she went back to her room just fine. Sounds like her! Anyway, I thanked the nurse and that was it.

Day 2. Call from nurse. Benign. Thank goodness.

Fred isn't napping today. Not so big a deal. I need to write about his transition in all this, too. Ethel's not the only one going through a huge change. Fred moved to the 3's, will potty train soon (I said so), and is now without his big sis two days a week. I think he's liking the Freddy/Mommy time, to be honest.

Will write more later. So.busy.at.work.

{after Ethel returned home that day...}

Day 2 a success. Injury at recess totally forgotten. Lots to learn. She's sooooo tired. We have friends coming by tonight (and their kids, E and F's ages), so I'm hoping for some serious sleep out of both of them tonight.

In E's folder last night were some questionairres about her and lots of pages to practice writing, sight words, and animal and sound recognition. Tonight, a story book and a reminder about lunch money, as well as the pin # she needs to pay for her lunch.

OMG, my head is spinning. Need to create files for both kids which will be kept down here in the kitchen. First, must declutter the kitchen. Ah, easier said than done.

Let's see, where was I? Oh, kindergarten!

Thought I'd start where I left off, kindergarten's beginning.  I'll start by putting these up one or two a day 'til I'm all caught up!

Thursday, 26 August

She was so excited today. One of my biggest things this morning was what to do all morning since school doesn't start 'til 9:10AM!! LOL The kids watched a show and we talked and had a snack. Yep, they're both up so early that we've got 2-3 hours to kill before leaving for school. OMG!!! LOL

I figured out the lunch money thing this morning during our down time, and sent $1 so she can get milk the first few days. I'll send another dollar or so next week for her milk next week. They have a lunch money account of some sort, and I just put an envelope in her backpack and the teacher turns it in and voila, they get lunch or whatever. Accomplished.

Got the eye exam paper copied in the school office. Now I have one in her school file, and will give one to day care. Accomplished.

No crazy lady running after me for the dental exam, the school fee, or any of that junk. I'm sure they will take it when I get it to them. Accomplished.

We walked in with the kids, found cubbies, and got them situated on the carpet. Teacher addressed the parents and let us know a folder will come home each day to be returned the next, etc, etc. She's a great woman and I'm very comfortable with her as the teacher. Very reassuring, very kind and helpful.

Anyway, my girlfriend came back here and we gabbed for a couple hours and Fred played in his room. I think this is going to be a big transition for him, his first time without his big sister around. The hard part for me today was when I put him down for his nap, not having to tell Ethel I'd come in her room to kiss her when I was done with him, and not checking on her in her room. She's not in there. For the first time in almost six years, I'm in this house and she's not. That's when it really hit me, and I sort of cried. I miss her. I know Fred does, too.

So, first drop off was fine, I did fine, she did fine, Fred did fine. My neighbor and I are going to switch off dropping off and picking up so we're not both having to go. So, next week I'll take both kids, the following she'll do it, etc. Since we just have to walk, it's easier that way. Fred can stay with her while I take the kids if he doesn't want to go or whatever. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I have so much to learn as a school mom now. I'm looking forward to it, though, because I know that adding this layer of a routine to our existing routine can only solidify our schedule and ability to get things done in the house. HA! That was a good one.