In about 3 weeks, Buddy will be entering Middle School.
I'm anxious about this for many reasons: 1. I have never had a child in Middle School. 2. I have never had a child in public school (he attended a Catholic elementary school). 3. I don't have a clue as to what to expect and we are hurtling briskly towards the first day!!!
I like to know what to expect. I want a list of supplies, so I don't have to rush around at the last minute for back to school shopping.
I want to know what the protocol is for drop off and pick up (we live too close, so no bus service).
We did have a nice little orientation at the end of the school year in May.
I have a feeling that this will be good for Buddy. I think it will help mature him and broaden his horizons - the elementary school he attended was VERY small and even though the Middle School is also small, there are still loads more children there than at grade school.
It will give him a chance to make new friends.
Again, it's just me with my aversion to transitions. Once I get into the swing of things, I know it'll all be great. There are many children who we know from around the neighborhood, or who are a year or two older than him already at the new school, so it's not like there won't be any familiar faces.
Since I don't plan on sending Sissy to preschool in the Fall, I've decided that we will do a loosely structured homeschool program. I'm going to wait until the fall of 2010 to enroll her in real preschool.
Sure, she could go this Fall, but it's only 2 days a week for 2.5 hours each day. I don't see getting her there and back being worth the trade off (5 hours a week by myself).
I really couldn't wrap my brain around articulating this for Thursday's post, so I skipped a day. I actually went to the bank and - GASP! - did things at the house that needed attention.
I'm also woefully behind on reading blogs. I'm doing the best I can, but I may miss a few here and there. Don't worry - I'm here trying to catch up!
You're a great mom. I know you have things under control so there is no need for any anxiety. Buddy is going to enjoy middle school. New friends, new things to learn and the same teacher isn't teaching the same subject. Well, thats how it was when I was going to school but thats ancient times now. Your both going to have fun. So relax and enjoy the transition and those last couple of weeks you have together.
ReplyDeleteThe fear is always worse than the thing. All will be well. :D xx♥
ReplyDeleteThing One begins next week, and my heart is breaking. Bittersweet for sure. I love the relationship we are developing. We are actually getting closer; however, I want my baby back...wah. She went to my 9th grade open house last night and picked out a cute little boy and mentioned he will be a senior when she gets to the high school. Now that made me nervous.
ReplyDeleteIt will be FINE! I felt the same way putting mine into public school after homeschooling for so long but they loved it!
ReplyDeletei have a middleschooler too but he's decided he wants to do the virtual school this year so, we're gonna try it.
And you are right about the 21/2 hr preschool thing NOT being worth it... it's SO not!
I know what you mean about wanting to get information. Still waiting to find out if my son is in morning or afternoon kindergarten.
ReplyDeleteOk...so when you go to buy him a weapon of self-defense, consider that it will need to be easy to carry. Don't want to overburden the poor kid.
ReplyDeleteNaw, just kidding. Schools over your way will be fine and he won't have a bit of trouble. Some things may be different but mostly, it will be the same old stuff.
And heck, the first week it's all chaos no matter what...so you won't stand out as being a public-school-mom virgin!
Sometimes they have a list of supplies on the school web site. Do a search for the county school page, then at the top of the page, hit the schools link. They will break down into different types of schools, click on Middle schools and find your school.
ReplyDeleteThe public school system also has this great feature called Edline. It allows you to view your child's grades and communicate through email with all the teachers.
Buddy will be fine.
Almost all kids that age are nervous about going to Middle school.
Hope the info about the web site and edline helped!
I'll repeat everyone else's sentiment - it's going to be great for him. Sure, there'll be the standard acts of teasing & crap like that, but kids do grow through that type of activity. I'm sure youve taught him well, now it's time for him to start sprouting his wings!
ReplyDeleteYou're a sweet mom to worry - but I promise it's going to be GREAT!
ReplyDeleteI think one of the best things about your kids going to/being in middle school is the addition of confidence and independence. I bet Buddy loves it, and beings to mature before your very eyes.
I worried too when we switched Bear from one grade school to the other at the begining of school last year. I was a nervous wreck, "he won't know anyone, he doesn't know his way around school, will he get on the right bus"...sooo many things to stress about. You know what...he did great just as I'm sure Buddy will. Kids are so rezilliant at that age making friends is no problem for them and since he knows some kids from the neighborhood all will be A-OK!
ReplyDeleteShiny Rod - I'm just such a control freak! :-)
ReplyDeleteNatalie - Yep, I'm sure it will be fine.
Robyn - How did it get to this so quickly???
Heather - Thanks for the encouragement!
3C - Why do they wait 'til the last minute? My nerves can't take this! :-)
Warren - Thanks! :-)
BG - Thanks for the info. I did look on the website, but didn't see supplies (yet).
SoLow - Thanks! I do hope it's a good and growing experience for him.
Momma - That's my hope as well!
Chandra - I feel a lot better having written it out like this and thanks for the confidence!
LOL... Buddy will be fine, but you will be the one sobbing on the sidewalk hanging onto you Ativan IV :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that 2 1/2 hours a day two days a week is hardly worth the fuss of getting her there and back and a you will probable teach her more homeschooling than she would learn otherwise. I'm thinking all it's really for is getting them used to other kids and the classrooms.
Aww, your so cute. Don't worry chickie everything will be fine. Buddy sounds like he's adjusting to the new school better than you - ahh the pangs of parenthood :)
ReplyDeleteOur poor first children, the Experiments. Thankfully, by MS they're mature enough to handle quite a lot on their own. It's hard letting go though!!
ReplyDelete(HUG)
Just as you walk into our local Wal-Mart there is a huge display there with lists of all the school supplies for every school in the district. Do they do that there? Also, all the school here post lists of school supply requirements online.
ReplyDeleteSurely Arkansas isn't that far ahead of you guys. LOL ;-)~
I'm not a fan of big transitions, either. I hate to say it, but as soon as I got my son's list for his school supplies - I went that day, and got them. He is 4!! I could not find a frickin' pack of 16 Crayolas to save my life....like my mom says, 'little kids, little problems....big kids, big problems"!
ReplyDeleteI hate transitions, too. I have no other advice as I have never been there! :( The Big One, he is in Middle School and struggles in Math. From what I've heard, a lot of kids do, too. So be sure he stays brushed up on math! I know you and you will do fine.
ReplyDeleteYou and Buddy will both be fine. I know how it is to hate change though! ;)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about my page. It has been ignored for a few days as well! And the only new thing is not very exciting...
You are a great mom, ETW. And thats the most important job in the world. Bar None.
ReplyDeleteYou rock!
My oldest started middle school last year, he went from a very nice, but typically under-funded elementary school, but I worried too.
I worried about the fact that his new school is a combination middle/high school and that the older kids would be rotten.
Turns out they don't even know the younger kids are alive.
It was a great year for him.
Hope that alleviates at least one fear for you.
Breath, my friend, breath : )
I, too, am behind, so we all understand. Besides, it sounds like you have a lot on your mind! Change is good, but you are a lot like my husband that internalizes it and gets anxious. It will all turn out wonderfully, so keep positive! Middle school is rough no matter where you are (private or public). I taught it for 3 years and it is well....interesting to see all the hormones under one roof lol. Breathe :)
ReplyDeleteWhether pre-school will benefit Sissy remains to be seen, but a lot depends on how many other children she sees and plays with during the week. The main benefit is the socialization of the child - and getting them ready to be good students in school. If she has plenty of playmates, perhaps pre-school is not necessary. Otherwise, you might need to consider it.
ReplyDeleteah.. what a good mom you are. I so remember those days.. and the kids all turned out great!!
ReplyDeleteWe also did the from private school to middle school/ high school.. and it was really tuff on one, but we had a big old ugly divorce thing going on at the same time.. which was really the issue that was at the core of her issues.. so glad we all love each other now, even the ex and his wife!
change is hard for me too....probably my O/C disease. You will do fine...vacuum a bit more....we both know that works to calm nerves.
ReplyDeleteIt seems kids have an easier time adjusting than adults do, so Buddy will probably be quite happy go lucky about it. But I understand your feelings about the need to know ahead of time. And the aversion to transitions. I'm like that myself, although I get excited about the "idea" of them, the actual transitions scare the poop out of me. Like this move is doing to me now, lol!
ReplyDelete:) Hope things work out.
ReplyDeleteyou'll be fine. i get a simmilar thing where i worry worry worry about policy, procedural issues etc. i have to work so that it dosn't get in the way of my actually doing my job...
ReplyDeletethat's one of the reasons it took me 7 years to go back to school. i didn't think i could do the registration or financial aid or student loans on my own... and i'm pretty independant. i *CAN* do all these things... i *KNOW* i can. i just worry that i can't...
i think you're the same way too... you *KNOW* that there's not gonna be an issue with buddy's school, getting him there, picking him up etc... but your brain's messing you up! you'll be alright!
I understand completely. When Ben enters middle school, I will probably require sedation.
ReplyDeleteI may or may not have left you an award on my blog..
ReplyDeletejust sayin'
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I think the transition is MUCH more difficult for parents than it is for the kids. Having been involved with new student orientation at the middle school for the last two years, I can see the angst of parents who are feeling they'll be less involved. This isn't elementary school any more and most parents have difficulty with that.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!!
I hope it goes well for you. Our public middle school has actually been a positive experience for each of my kids.
ReplyDeleteIf they have a website, check to see if the supply list is on it.
I remember these days, and these emotions, like they were yesterday. They do pass, and as you say, as you get into it, you'll wonder why you were ever worried/conflicted in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI'm also trying to rectify my waaayy behindness on my blog reading tours of late.
We have so much in common! :-)