Kindergarten

Today is Owen's first official day in Kindergarten! He is SO pumped! His favorite preschool teacher, Mr. Ron, was promoted last fall from Lead Teacher in the Preschool to Program Director at the 2-Year Kindergarten. (I may have the titles wrong, but you get the idea.) Anyway, he was once Collin's favorite teacher, and since he moved up to Collin's program in the fall, Collin had been thrilled with the change! However, at the time of Mr. Ron's move up, he was Owen's preschool teacher, and Owen was beside himself. He lost his favorite teacher. He ultimately adjusted and did well in his new teacher's class, but he harbored great dreams of moving up to the Kindergarten to see Mr. Ron again. Every once in a while he expressed his frustrations; he was the oldest in his class, he missed his friends that had moved up, he wanted to see Mr. Ron and Collin. Owen was like a ticking time bomb, waiting for his big moment!

We were concerned because the program requires that you be 5 years old before entry. We were also concerned because entry requires a full year commitment, and the slots were full. We weren't expecting he'd be in the program until the fall - 8 more months. But then, the same week that Owen turned 5, a family gave their two-week notice!! It was perfect!!!!

Owen spent the last week "transitioning" up to the class and saying goodbye to the preschool and his friends/teachers there. He brought home his first homework packet Friday and finished it while waiting for dinner Friday night! We ordered his new backpack, and he is stoked! Today marks his official first day in Kindergarten, in Mr. Ron's class again, and in the same program as Collin, where they'll be a force no doubt! (Can't you just imagine recess and soccer games during the summer?!) Owen is beyond thrilled and proud and puffed up like a big kid! Literally, for a kid who wishes every day were a stay-at-home day, Owen is in heaven! Which means that I couldn't be more psyched! Good teachers are the greatest! Thanks, Mr. Ron!