Kindergarten Registration
I registered Leo for Kindergarten yesterday at her new school, Nuckols Farm Elementary! This day has been on my calendar for months now. As Leo and I were walking up to her school (it’s pretty much right behind our house) I thought to myself, “Maybe I should have worn some Molly-mormon dress, grown bangs, and put in a headband so I’ll look like the perfect candidate for PTA President!” I don’t want to be president of anything but the PTA.
While I was filling out the paperwork and talking w/the volunteers, Leo sat perfectly still and had great manners. They commented on how great she was. I said, “I know, I totally have bragging rights.” Afterwards we walked down the school’s hallways and looked inside the library, art room, cafeteria, and different classrooms trying to guess which one would be Leo’s. I still remember when I was in Kindergarten at Marcus Whitman Elementary in Richland, WA. I was NOT shy and was really bossy – I remember this one girl didn’t wear shorts under her dress and I told her she needed to so she could be modest. Some things never change!
I’ve been really nervous about putting Leo in Kindergarten, especially since it’s full-day. I just felt like I was throwing her out to the dogs, letting her out into this world at age 5!!! I was (am) nervous about what kinds of things she’ll be learning at school. But my mom sent me a great quote this morning regarding the most important thing I can do as a parent to prepare her for “real life”:
Children are open to gospel truths more than at any other time, and protected childhood is literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach and strengthen children to choose the right. It’s easy to know what to teach. The scriptures and our prophets are clear about what to teach our children. Nephi summarizes it in this verse, ‘And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins’ (2 Nephi 25:26). (Margaret S. Lifferth, “Behold Your Little Ones,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 74-75 )
After spending time w/Leo at the school, I think she’s going to do wonderfully. I’m excited for her to learn new things, find out what she has a passion for and meet new friends. I’m looking forward to being involved in her school (her teachers are either gonna love or hate me) and for watching Leo enjoy Kindergarten. I just might have to OD on the Diet Coke the first couple days of school.
suzie romans said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:06 pm
Leo will do just great. She is such a smart, kind and obedient little girl. She knows so many things about the gospel already…she is going to be an example to everyone else.
I love your mom’s quote….so very true.
I always did alot of talking to my kids when they got home to see what happened, what they learned and how they felt about things…despite what stories they may tell now. They all did well in school…..rarely got in trouble. But they knew our standards were very high….and if they got in any trouble in school..they would get in more trouble at home. I think it is good for them to know you support their school and their teacher ( unless there is a conflict). There are many good Christian teachers and families in Richmond and I have been impressed with the quality of teaching and people since I have been here.
You and Denton are such good parents, I know she will have all the tools she needs. The time will go so fast while she is gone ,you won’t believe it. And it will be exciting to watch her learn and grow and be a part of it all.We are excited to get to come to some of her school things and share in her success. We love you all very much.
I was the PTA president twice……not in a Molly Mormon dress or headband. I was pregnant in jeans and they still wanted me. I did dress up occassionally :)
Ellen O'Leary said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
YAY!!!!!!!! I love Kindergarten!!! She will have a blast! It is such a fun year! And the full day isn’t bad at all. The first 6 weeks are rough but the rest is awesome! She and Jack can be little brainiacs together! :) Hope you are having a good night and now you can relax since you’re all done with registration!
HML said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
I’m so glad you posted about this because I am SO NERVOUS, too! I haven’t even registered! What a great quote from your mom…man quotes like that help SO MUCH!
Will you please get bangs and a pioneer dress for the first PTA meeting?:) And I hope Leo accidentally pulls out the “damn” on her first day!:) Yesth pleaseth! She will do so great and so will you…which will help me deal, too. We may just have to have therapy sessions for their first week! AH!
Tiffany said,
May 1, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Ditto!!! I totally freaked during registration and have officially stocked up on diet coke!!! There might be a shortage in stores when I’m done.
Pam said,
May 2, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Marissa – I remember the first time I took my first son, Ben, to preschool – he was 3 and his dad was with him. He was our only child at that time – I was expecting (Leo’s friend) Daniel. John was to stay and be the parent at the co-op preschool that day. Ben just marched right in and said, “Bye, Mom!” I walked out – alone for the first time in 3 years. I thought, hm….I could do anything…go for coffee…shop….but instead I called my mother. I told her I missed her and I wondered what it felt like to her when I left her – for kindergarten, for college, etc. etc.
It was really silly but it does feel momentous at the time.
I will pray for Leo to have an enjoyable and productive kindergarten year. And I will pray that you become PTA president – they don’t need Molly Mormon – they need Marissa Shake ‘Em Up!! ;)
danae said,
May 2, 2008 @ 4:05 am
what an exciting time!..but kinda sad too…i think i’m going to have a little bit of a break down the day ella goes to school….but i know it’s the best thing for them!
danae said,
May 2, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
marrissa…i was laughing so hard at you calling that girl in high school delilah..you are seriously so funny!