New schools

This morning we brought Foster and Ella to their new school.  It brought back memories and anxieties from the first days of new schools in my childhood.  I remember the first time I visited my classroom in Northfield, being pegged as a nerd.  O the days clinging white knuckled to the doorframe of the girls bathroom, straining against being pushed in!

On our way up the stairs to Ella’s class, she exclaimed, “This is better than my old school! We didn’t have an upstairs.” I remember the embarrassment of being in a bigger elementary school for half of fourth grade and after three or four weeks still afraid of going to the library by myself, afraid I’d loose my way.  I remember the teacher’s exasperation when I asked if my friend Dean could accompany me.  What a blessing it was to have some ready made friends from church at that new school!

I hope Foster and Ella find friends quickly and no bullies.  Foster had a substitute teacher today.  Unfortunately nothing was prepared for him.  He had no locker or desk. The substitute did her best to find to find a temporary place for him in a class of thirty.  I can only imagine how his regimented methodical mind adapted to a world with no place for him or his things.