Once again, summer is drawing to a close and the school doors have reopened.
Whether the kids are first-time preschoolers or university students, there is usually a certain amount of angst involved — and this feeling is often shared by teachers and parents alike.
While it seems a good thing for most of us to get back into some type of structure, the start-up of any school year typically involves a fair amount of “breaking in” time — similar to that new pair of school shoes.
I asked my readers (via Facebook and email) to share their stories, and I received a nice cross-section of responses from those affected by this year’s “back to school.”
If you’ve ever been a parent dropping off a preschooler for the first time, I would bet you can relate to Tiffany and Steve Fox’s story. Last year their 3-year-old daughter, Adrianna, cried every day when they would take her to school. They were told by her teacher that the crying stopped as soon as they left, but it still worried them to walk away. This continued the entire school year.
They enrolled Adrianna in summer camp purposely since its teacher was slated to be her 4-year-old preschool teacher. While their daughter continued to cry when dropped off, this plan eventually paid off.
Tiffany Fox said of Adrianna’s recent first day of 4-year preschool, “She was excited to go to school, although still a little unsure – but no crazy crying tantrum. The teacher took her immediately and we snuck out quickly.”
When they arrived later for pickup, “Adrianna ran out of school and asked why she couldn’t stay the full day. I was shocked,” said Fox.
She added, “She is so excited to be back with her friends. She learned so much last year that it amazed me. I can only imagine what she will learn this year!”
So, perseverance – with a dash of maturity – seems to pay off. Don’t be discouraged, preschool parents!
Even the most seasoned teachers confess that they often feel anxious just prior to the start of a new school year. With a whole new batch of students filing in on the first day, it could be a bit daunting. However, the anxiety could certainly escalate when a teacher moves to a new school and takes on a new position.
Alma Leon said the topic of this article “hit home for me in particular.” She tells of new beginnings for herself and for her two children.
Her change of employment happened one short week before school started. She left her position as a kindergarten teacher at Hannum Elementary School in Oak Lawn to become an ELL (English Language Learner) teacher at McCord School in Burbank.
She reflects, “Leaving my kindergartners and my Hannum family (after nine years there) was not easy, but it was a decision that was for the best at this point in my life. The interesting part is that I am returning to a district I previously worked in.”
The Leons also decided to put their kids into local schools in their neighborhood in Brookfield. Their daughter Natalia left St. Germaine parish school in Oak Lawn and started second grade at Brook Park Elementary School. Their son Nicholas is now in the full-day preschool program at St. Louis de Marillac.
“Now my own kids are doing great and loving their new schools and teachers. We are all adjusting for sure but they have all been positive changes in our lives,” says Leon.
Sometimes anxiety comes about by the implementation of new and unfamiliar initiatives in the school setting.
Jan Sulek has started her 28th year as a chemistry teacher at Oak Lawn Community High School. She told me about a new program at her school – the 1:1 iPad initiative. She states, “It is working even for those of us with limited techno skills.”
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According to Sulek, every student and teacher has an iPad. Students use them in place of paper textbooks. They also have the option of using an app to send their “written” work to the teacher electronically.
“So, the art of teaching and learning has not changed, just the equipment used,” says Sulek.
She notes that about half of her students have embraced using the iPads while the rest seem to prefer paper and pencil instead. She feels that all of her students are making good progress by using the learning style most comfortable to them.
Sulek reflects, “We went from blackboards to white boards to Smart Boards and from PCs (personal computers) to iPads. I do not see any evidence thus far that would indicate an increase in student motivation to learn as a direct result from the use of these new technology tools.”
Recently, Hometown’s Leeann Schlesser saw the third of her four children start his university career. Her 18-year-old son Ken moved into his dorm at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
Schlesser relates that it does seem to get easier each time one goes away to school. She told me, “When we took our oldest son Tom to college, I cried almost all the way home. I was probably the closest I have ever been to that hysterical cry.”
Two years later, it was time to drop off their first daughter Jessie at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. She recalls that she also cried but since her youngest daughter Melanie was with them she kept it under control for fear she might “scare her and scar her for life.”
While Ken’s school is the furthest away – an 8 hour drive – she feels she’s learned the ropes by now.
“Move in their stuff and then stay with them until they seem to want you to go or until the RA suggests you leave,” she says.
When Ken asked her if she was going to cry, she replied, “Not me. Bye, Ken. See you at Thanksgiving.” Then she turned and walked to the car knowing she lied to him.
When the kids go off to school, parents learn a lot too.
Regina “Reggie” Sabadosa is a freelance columnist and may be emailed at [email protected]