Sammy Schrantz Goes To School…
Last Wednesday (August 19, 2009) my little boy entered the first grade! It was a massive milestone for my little fella and for his mommy and daddy too! I decided we would walk to school every morning – the elementary school is so close it doesn’t make much sense to waste gasoline driving the two miles up the road when we can do our bodies a favor and walk. ?????? ????? ????
The afternoons are too hot and no one needs heat stroke – just not worth it. *smile* Sammy has attended Montessori school since he was two years old and kindergarten was at Montessori as well – so this was also his first year in public school! I was a mess freaking out – Sammy is Sammy and he has a strong personality and no one can really control him. He was born with this personality and we are doing everything in our power to mold it and guide it but it seems – at times – to be bigger than we are! I knew his personality would be the massive downfall in public school because they don’t respond well to power of self. Public school likes the kids that sit, and follow the flow like little brainless zombies… Okay maybe that’s not fair – but it seems that when the kids are smart, quiet and go with the flow without complaint that they are the favorite children. Kids like Sam are early labeled “problem children” and then all the teachers get together and gossip about who the “good” and “bad” kids are… If Sam is labeled one of the “bad” kids every teacher will *sigh* with annoyance at the thought of getting him – it’s really a violent cycle! I am hoping the system proves me wrong and I hope that Sammy finds guidance rather than a smack down of spirit.
I met before school with the principal and with his teacher – giving both a heads up about what they are getting with Sammy. On Wednesday I let him go… It was by far the hardest thing I have had to do since he was two and going to preschool. It had to have been a hard day for most of the children – but when I went to pick up Sammy – after a day filled with stress – I got the dreaded head shake from his teacher after I inquired how the day had gone. I thought all my nightmares were coming true! Every fear I had for him in a normal public school were smacking me in the face! It was the first day and already it was a failed attempt at public school… My heart sunk deep into my gut and I just wanted to vomit! His teacher was too busy to tell me what had happened so I had to come home without the report. As soon as I got home I sent his teacher an e-mail and just asked about the day’s events. I got an e-mail back saying that he didn’t listen or follow directions, and his defiance worried her. BINGO! Everything I thought would go wrong – went wrong. Although, I was shocked that I saw this as a challenge rather then a shot to the head! I feel like now I am on a mission to get Sammy to succeed in first grade – and every other grade thereafter! I am going to figure this out and he will conquer the first grade!
I know it’s going to be a ton of fun and the experience of adjusting will be smooshed by the experience on a whole – the fun and friends… It’s going to be great and I know that it was hard for me to see or imagine Sammy being successful in public school but now he’s there and I feel good about it! His teacher is (so far *wink*) amazing and we are in total communication about Sammy and what’s going on and what needs to happen… Sammy IS going to push every button and he IS going to push every boundary and he IS going to test his limits with everything! He has a strong personality and he’ll never give up – for that I say, “Go Sammy!” He might be a mini pain in everyone’s ass right now – but I have no doubt that my little fella is going to blow everyone’s minds away when he’s older. Look at him – he’s the All-American boy next door! AND – he made the front page of the news paper! ?????? ????? ????
I am excited to see what the year brings – so far it’s been a headache, but come on, we’ve just begun! There will be birthday parties and Halloween! There will be holiday fun and school work and home work – Sammy’s favorite thing about school (right now) is the work… I am sure that will change – but you never know! *fingers crossed* He’s my little Samma Wamma and I am proud of him! (don’t pay any attention to the yelling and freaking out I do – the bottom line is that I love him and I am proud of him!)
…Now can I talk about overcrowding in the public school system?
