This year, our little one began kindergarten, and wow—what an emotional rollercoaster. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be: overwhelmed. The whirlwind of feelings has been intense: anxiety, excitement, fear, joy, relief, anticipation—you name it, I’ve felt it all.
Our goal was simple: get him into our local, alternative, lottery-based elementary school. I thought, if we could just secure a spot there, everything would fall into place. Sure, we might not fit the mold, and our full-time work schedules complicate things (hello, mandatory parent involvement during school hours from 8:30-12:30—seriously?!). But I was ready to do anything to make it happen. After a few grey hairs and a few extra stress pounds, we got the good news just days before school started.
What Makes This School Special?
So, what makes this school special? Every child deserves to feel included, especially my son, who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum. This school values differences and embraces them instead of trying to suppress them. It’s a place where his unique personality is celebrated, and he gets the support he needs. Their commitment to inclusion is so vital that it’s enshrined in the students’ bill of rights. Yes, folks, inclusion is their top priority.
Of course, we know that challenges like bullies exist. Growth often comes from discomfort, which I despise, but it’s a part of life. I hope to delay those experiences until middle or high school so my son can build a strong sense of self-worth first. It’s essential for him to learn how to forge genuine friendships and ignore the negativity that can come from others.
And then, the stars aligned. We got in.
The Reality of Kindergarten
Now, here we are at this exceptional school, and let me tell you, kindergarten is no walk in the park. The reality hit hard: I have to show up on time or face the embarrassment of a tardy slip. Just four hours later, it’s pickup time. I’m also expected to attend parent meetings, potlucks, auctions, and contribute to fundraising efforts. Add monthly field trips and performances to the mix, plus required weekend positive discipline trainings, and it gets overwhelming.
Then there’s the expectation to either volunteer four hours a week in the classroom or take on a job and volunteer two hours. How do other parents manage this without losing their jobs? I briefly considered hiring help, but that felt wrong and too expensive. So, I reluctantly chose the only job left: field trip coordinator. Big mistake! Now, I find myself herding kids, which is no easy task.
The Email Chaos
And the emails—oh boy, the emails! Just recently, a conversation erupted over Captain Underpants and its alleged negative impact on young minds. What started as a simple invitation to see the movie turned into a lengthy debate filled with polite disagreements and a flood of “reply all” emails. If Captain Underpants is deemed inappropriate, I can only imagine the backlash if I mention Jurassic World. Yikes. Mother of the year, right here!
Despite the chaos, I have to admit that all of this is worth it. I may grumble about the flood of emails and obligations, but I realize that this involvement is what makes the school so exceptional. Without these requirements, I might not engage as much, but I know it’s for the greater good. So, it’s time for me to step up and contribute, ensuring my son thrives in a nurturing environment that champions social justice.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2023, I’ve learned to let go of self-criticism. Other parents are just like me—well-meaning, kind, and imperfect. The teachers are phenomenal, doing everything they can to uplift our kids, including my son. We’re so fortunate to have this school; he’s thriving and even made his first friend, which is a significant milestone. All the hard work is paying off, especially when I see his beautiful smile more often lately.
I’m grateful for schools like this one. I’ll vent and complain, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather send him. Just don’t mention our movie choices!