"Real" School Has Started

Whitman starts 2nd Grade

Caedmon starts 5th Grade

   Caedmon and Whitman both began school this week, Tuesday, August 28th, at the local elementary school here in Walla Walla.  Caedmon was returning to the same school he had attended for second grade in 2015 and was quite excited from the beginning.  He became he more excited after meeting his teacher and seeing his classroom.  Whitman on the other hand had only ever attended preschool in the States.  While in Barat both boys attended a local school in the mornings and did homeschooling with me, Erin, in the afternoon.  While Whitman did have this schooling experience, I was concerned with his transition into American public school and the strict aspects of it compared with his schooling overseas.  He is the one after all that decided he wasn't going to do any writing at his local Barat elementary school.  Unsure of exactly how long this went on, we heard of it only after talking to one of his classmates.  The culture in Barat is very indirect and peace seeking, causing information to be passed through the pupil or an older sibling and the avoidance of confrontation.
   When I dropped the boys off I left in amazement at the opportunity to leave my children in a safe, clean place where they would received a good education.  Regardless of your thoughts on school safety and public education, my children were spending the greater part of their day at a school where there would be constant supervision, not only policies and procedures for safety, but also drills, designated play areas in good condition with age appropriate structures, engaging classrooms, intentional teachers, and activities throughout the day to support and encourage their learning.  And all of this free of tuition or extra fees for activities!  I was so thankful for this privilege they and I as their regular teacher could enjoy.
   When I picked Caedmon and Whitman up after the first day, they both reported very good days!  Whitman said, "That was fun!  There was more recess than I thought."  Throughout the week Whitman's enjoyment decreased slightly as the work load, specifically writing, increased, but he continued to have positive comments about the experience, making friends, PE, and his teacher.
   Caedmon too had positive things to share about his experience.  His feelings are best summed up in his disappointment that there wasn't school on Friday because of the Walla Walla Fair nor on Monday due to Labor Day.  
  I am so thankful to the Father for such a great start for both boys and this opportunity we all have!

  Over the weekend we were blessed to attend the fair.  Though we all had a great time, Caedmon's disappointment for days off from school did not diminish.