Stray Thoughts of School

Eliza Clark
July 20, 2012

Even though it is still July, we’re already starting to think about school. Just a few stray thoughts here and there, but thoughts nonetheless.

My five-year-old will begin kindergarten in September, just 47 days from today. And while she’s more focused on swimming and ice cream sandwiches than school right now, I’m already fretting about how much I’ll miss her when she’s gone from 8:00 to 3:00 every day.

Not long ago, I asked whether she had any thoughts or questions about starting a new school. “Don’t worry about me in kindergarten, Mom,” she replied. “I’m mighty! I’m going to rule kindergarten.” (She's a second child, what can I say.) While her older sister was laughing her head off at this remark, I was wondering if I should be calling the teacher to warn her that this exuberant girl of mine is already planning to conquer her classroom.

Meanwhile, my soon-to-be third grader is realizing that summer is half over, but her summer math workbook and reading list are by no means half done. Suddenly, she’s become a lot more willing to sit down and do a bit of schoolwork when I ask her. It’s a minor note amidst a long day of outdoor fun, but still a reminder that school is just around the bend. I know it’s on her mind when she talks about her school friends: “I wish I could show Abby my new dive” she'll say, or “Anna would love to see this frog!”

On the parental side, it’s just about time to start making a checklist of things we’ll need to have on hand before the first day of school. Best to get the shopping out of the way now so that we can get back to enjoying the rest of summer vacation!