Back to School Night

I meant to bring my camera and snap a few pics of RJ with his teacher, desk, etc. But I spaced it. I'll try to remember the camera for Parent/Teacher Conference in October.

Last night was Back to School night. Can you believe it! We are old enough to attend Back to School Night as a parent! Jared almost started a mid-life crisis when the thought hit him. My mid-life crisis will probably hit me in two years when I turn 30.

Anyway, it was nice to finally see RJ in his school surroundings. We enjoyed meeting his teacher and getting to hear how the school day "really" goes. If any of you are thinking..."What this was your first time meeting with the teacher and seeing the school." Well yes it pretty much was.

We met his teacher very briefly at orientation and at the time we weren't sure if she would be his permanent teacher. The school was in the process of hiring another kindergarten teacher since they had so many students. We saw a little of the school that day, but that day was also our first day in Lynchburg so everything was a bit of a blur. Because the school sits on a busy street, walking isn't encouraged. Buses are the easiest way for the child to get to and from school. I could drive RJ myself but I would just be dropping him off at the back door where a teacher greets the students, instead of being able to walk with him to class. I had a real problem with that because I had envisioned taking RJ by the hand to his classroom every day or almost everyday. But with the announce of sitting in the car to take your turn in front of the school just to drop your kid off, we opted with the bus. So anyway, we hadn't been into the school since Orientation so back to school night was a real treat.

I take that last line back, Jared did go into the school last week and had lunch with RJ. Parents are allowed in the school, it isn't completely closed off. But it is kind of a pain with two other young kids in tow.

So anyway, we gathered in the cafeteria and the super intendant rattled off a bunch of numbers on how the school ranked in the state and federal testing. We thought the numbers were all very good, all above the requirement. But of course it wasn't good enough for Virginians, they want it higher. I think the intent of No Child Left Behind is good but I'm not sold on schools pushing testing and curriculum just to get high numbers.

So after the numbers we got to go see the class room. RJ was so excited to show us EVERYTHING! It was nice to see his excitement. It was fun to see some of the friends he has talked about. I was able to meet a mother of one of his new best buddies and get a phone number, that was nice. We enjoyed talking with his teacher. I like her much better now that I have actually talked with her and she has explained things a little more.

I got the scoop on quiet time. This is the part of day that RJ hates and we were hearing stories such as everyone had to lay their heads down on their desks for an hour. Now I know that it is a time for each table to us the bathroom and get a drink. While a table is up, the other tables are to sit quietly and unwind from recess. It takes 15-20 minutes depending on how many kids need to use the bathroom. And there is a bathroom right their in the classroom.

After meeting RJ's teacher and seeing his classroom. We gathered back into the cafeteria for dinner. Now how many schools do you know feed that many families dinner??? Maybe a lot do, but I haven't heard of it before. It was just hot dogs and chips, nothing fancy. But I was still impressed.

RJ has perked up a little bit more about school. I haven't heard as many negative comments. And I am much more relaxed now that I have had a conversation with his teacher. So that's, that!