It has officially begun. Second grade for Anders and Kuba's last year of pre-school.

Wow! I simultaneously feel so terribly sad that the summer is ending and so eager to see what the new year brings. I think as an educator and a mom, I always approach the new year with a little bit of anxiety, but for the first time this feels minor. Anders has a male teacher, Mr. Mack. He's thrilled and I am too- I think because of his own joy in having Mr. Mack. His teacher is young, steady, rock solid, devoted to his career and his students, and someone very well respected in the building. I like him because of he really likes teaching. This is very clear. This is his third year as a classroom teacher and each year he gets better and better. I am also happy because Anders does not have the same teacher as last year.

Kuba has also started a new preschool. Two days a week he will be at our friend Sara's home pre-school with his buddies, who are all four years old. All of them will be kindergarteners next year. It's a very sweet pre-school and I feel he's so lucky to have this experience. I think it will provide him with some great playful, creative experiences. I am eager to see how he grows. Sara is an early childhood educator, but also a mom - she "gets" kids. Her commitment to childhood is passionate. It feels very important to me as well, and I think he will have a wonderful year . He's a kid with lots of twists and turns, with creative energy being top on his list. He's also a fast talker and at times an anxious little boy - and he can have difficulty getting all of his words out fast enough. I think Sara will provide the space for him to be who he is in a caring, calm way.  And I know her creativity will be fabulous for him. 

Kuba will continue his old pre-school for the other three days. This is also good. He is familiar with the teachers, the program and the school, and I get to be in the same building with him three days a week. I love being near my kids when they are in school. I can't imagine not having an intimate view of how they spend a large chunk of their day. I feel pretty happy about this arrangement. As sticky as it can sometimes get when you work at your child's school, the benefits far outweigh the difficult moments, and it simply feels worth it.

May the new year begin with gusto!
May the new school year nurture and grow my children.
May the new school year bring great joy.