We drop off in the mornings between 7 and 7:25 to an open school yard that is surrounded by school buildings and the covered PE area on 3 sides. The kids take their packs to their cubbies and then come back out and run and play with friends until the bell rings. On the first ring, everyone freezes in place (it's very impressive) and the second ring follows shortly thereafter and everyone walks to their class.
I walked them through it the first morning and then today I went and stood at the edge of the school yard to offer assistance if needed (at their request). I was informed this evening by Kailtyn that she was good and would not need help tomorrow.
FIRST DAY:
There was a little mix up this day with the girls' names. Kaitlyn's teacher had been talking to the class about the new student "Samantha" that would be joining their class. The administrative assistant told me this when we first arrived and as we walked Kailtyn to her class, we passed 4 little girls in the school yard whispering to each other "that must be Samantha". I think Kailtyn's name was corrected fairly quickly but Samantha is another story.
Samantha's teacher had labeled everything for her as "Kaitlyn" and called her Kaitlyn several times before we left. Samantha was a little unsure and I was afraid she wouldn't speak up and remind her teacher. I should know better by now than to underestimate my Samantha. I spoke with her teacher after school to see how the day had gone and I know I must have looked confused when her teacher referred to her as "Grace". She looked uncertain and said that Samantha had instructed her that she like to be called "Grace". It was quite hilarious to me but I told her teacher that she goes by Samantha and that's the name she should be practicing writing. --Now for an explanation-- a couple of weeks ago, Kailtyn and Samantha were playing pretend and came up with "nicknames" for the family : Mikey, Kate, Gracie, Kiki (that's me), and Ollie which was then changed to Livie. They played with these names for 2-3 days and periodically revert to them. So, I guess Samantha has decided to assume a new identity.
SECOND DAY:
Kaitlyn put her pack away first thing (her name has already been corrected on her cubby) and found 4 friends she played with in the school yard till the bells rang. As she went to her room, she turned and waved and that was that. After school today she informed me she had found her special friend. Her name is Ayra (pronounced: Ira).
Samantha and I went to put her pack away in her cubby and she can recognize "Kailtyn" and told me to put it there. Then a cute little girl (so petite and about 1/2 Samantha's size) came up and took Samantha's hand and told me she is Grace's friend. :) Her name is Mapalo and after she taught me how to say it, she informed me the next cubby belonged to the "bad boy". She whispered this to me 3 times to make sure I understood. Evidently, there's at least one "bad boy" in every class. Once she was sure I understood, she and Samantha walked off hand in hand and played until the bell rang.
Both girls are adapting well and when Samantha was allowed to swim her first day of school (they have a swim day of PE once a week), she was sold. They will both be tested for appropriate placement next week (Monday I think) and Samantha may have to change classes at that time but I hope that is not the case. We'll wait and see. Well, that's all for today...I'll keep you posted!
Much Love,
The Zookeeper
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