Update on our transition to a new school

[JustMe]

Last Spring I received lots of support/advice from the BBB on changing public schools. Dd had been in a dual immersion public school, and I was reluctant to give up the dual immersion, but there were lots of cons/repeatedly bad experiences. I was deciding among keeping her there (and starting ds there), changing to public Spanish immersion school which had some pretty big cons, or changing to the school below..

School alternative 2- Public alternative school. Pros- family centered and respect for individual children. The philosophy is that teachers, parents, and children work things out together. Lots of community. . Teachers think about each child. School is not heavy on computers/technology/media (which for me is a positive), and many families feel the same way/limit this in their home (although there is diversity in values here). Lots of neat things, like a parent was leading a bike class for the upper grades when I was there. School is K-8. Cons- Some classes seemed somewhat loud, and not sure how dd will do with this. Kids have lots of freedom to be in halls without supervision, etc, dd actually does not like independence.

We ended up changing to this school and started this week. It has gone extremely well so far. Dd had an awful time the month before (highly anxious and escalaed behavior), but when I picked up the first day she told me she agreed that this was a much better school for her (she was very against changing), said it was the best awesomest place in the world, that her teacher is nice to her, and was over the moon the fact that she has her own sketchbook she can use throughout the day to draw whatever she wants. During recess she played with the daughter of one of my co-workers, who we had some playdates with during the summer. During a back to school picnic the week before, the teacher asked me what she could do to help dd transition! I suggested a buddy. Dd has a buddy and she absolutely loves her! (so at the end of the day she already had 2 friends in her class, which is a big deal). Dd continued to rave about her new school/teacher the rest of the week. The teacher also invited me to e-mail her any ideas I had to help dd (I could she was noticing the anxiety). I did and made some suggestions to help dd with independence. The teacher has done these things when I have been in the room.

Ds has had what I consider to be some normal ambivalent feelings about Kindergarten. He expressed sadness the 2nd say, stating he does not know anyone and wanted me to stay with him (this is actually very unusual for him and was sad for me to see, but I know it is in the normal range and in some ways a very positive thing for him). I know he will get more used to it soon.

Just wanted to update and thank the BBB for your support and advice about this.

[wendmatt]

That is awesome that she is loving school, it's such a huge decision to move schools, I'm so glad for you that it's working out. Hopefully DS will adjust quickly and love it too.

[larig]

what wonderful news. I know you were so concerned about what to do.

[Uno-Mom]

I'm glad it's going well! You were very thoughtful in this decision and preparation.

[kwc]

Hooray!
How terrific to have such immediate and positive feedback from your DD about your very thoughtful choice. Your daughter also seems very thoughtful and self-aware.

Hopefully your DS will soon grow to love it as much as your DD. From your previous posts, he seems a very warm and resilient child.

[scrooks]

I remember your previous post about the various school choices and know you struggled to decide. I'm really glad it all worked out for your DD!

[KpbS]

Great update! Hope your DS has a really good week this coming week.

[crl]

Yay! :cheerleader1

Catherine

[egoldber]

I'm so glad things are going well for your DD! I know for my older DD, the thought and anticipation of moving to a new school was much worse than the reality.

I hope that DS settles in soon too.

[JustMe]

Aaaw, thanks for the continued support. You are all so sweet, and it is especially nice to see the positive qualities about dd and ds described so accurately!