The kids started back to school on Friday last week. (Yes, a Friday.) And 4 days in, they are still demonstrating enthusiasm about the return to school and excitement about what this new school year will bring.
Briggs started 2nd grade with his teacher, Mrs. Beachy. Mrs. Beachy is new to Davenport, but we have heard good things about her from those who know her personally. Most of Briggs' closest friends are not in his class this year, but he gets along well with a variety of kids and doesn't seem overly concerned about who is and is not in his class. Briggs has loved Mrs. Beachy so far and has already expressed the sentiment that she is his new favorite teacher. He's also excited about having Chloe in his class and about the new playground that they've installed at the school.
Briggs and Mrs. Beachy
Adelie is in 4th grade with Mrs. Mickna as her teacher. Staley also had Mrs. Mickna and we really liked her. However, Mrs. Mickna had a kidney transplant this summer so Adelie is starting the year with Mrs. Bachman, a substitute teacher. (Mrs. Beachy is expecting, so Briggs will also have Mrs. Bachman as his substitute when Mrs. Beachy is on maternity leave.) Although Adelie is pleased about having Mrs. Mickna and also likes Mrs. Bachman, she's most excited about all the things that 4th grade has to offer, like Safety Patrol, News Team, Drama Club, The Living Museum, and Mrs. Mickna's Science Fair. Most of Adelie's closest friends are not in her class this year, but she is pleased to have William and Stanley in her class and, coincidentally, they are sitting in the desks right next to her.
Adelie and Mrs. Bachman
Staley was my most nervous child about her return to school. Although excited to see her friends and start some of the activities she is looking forward to (here's looking at you, Drama Club and Student Council), Staley also had some apprehension about the start of a new year. Sixth grade brings with it more changes at the middle school. There is more mixing of students as you rotate classes and a predominantly male team of teachers (as opposed to primarily female team in 5th grade). Staley got Mrs. Selvey as her homeroom teacher, which was who she had hoped to have, and was pleased that Charlotte, Lucy, and Kaitlyn are in her home room. And after her first day of moving around to all her classes, she has discovered friends that she's excited about in each of her classes and really likes all her teachers. (Mr. Ferguson for social studies is the very early favorite.)
Staley and Mrs. Selvey
As each school year starts, it's always a mix of emotions. I truly enjoy having my kids at home and relish the more laid-back nature of our summer schedule, so the return to the schedule, early mornings, and busy-ness of the school year brings me a bit of sadness as we say good-bye to another summer that has flown by. There is always a little apprehension about new teachers, new responsibilities, new classmates, new routines, and new academic expectations. And yet, there is also excitement about a new school year, more time with friends, and the chance to try new things. So ready or not, here we go...
First Day of School
6th, 4th, and 2nd grades
