Chris and two of his best buddies starting 3rd grade in 2013. One thing he’s looking forward to this year: not wearing a uniform.

It seems like just yesterday they celebrated the last day of school in my little Jersey town, but at 6:20 am tomorrow the boys will board a school bus and wind their way to their new schools.

The first day of school for any kid can be stress inducing–so imagine how it feels to be the new kid on the first day. Good thing mine aren’t the only newbies–Waxhaw schools welcome dozens of new kids each year, and sometimes even each week. In one Middle School alone, last week saw 10 new kid registrations. I won’t get into the reasons why, but the school orientations left be breathless and teary-eyed–is this what I’ve been searching for in schooling all these years? I hope so, but I guess time will tell.

I’m more nervous for my boys than they are for themselves. I hope our new schools and community help prepare their little brains for a successful life and career. Of course, I know our role as parents plays a huge role in this–so I’m working on being more present and showing compassion and support (I’m trying hard not to yell!!) every single day. I’m still not excited about standardized testing (which NC has plenty of). I know it doesn’t give kids a fair shake at showcasing their individual strengths. But I recently looked back at the stacks of papers my mom kept from my school years. It turns out I was tested in Kindergarten, and first, and second, and…every year all the way up through high school. I remember the blue scan-tron sheets that grew longer with each grade. I turned out a decent, respectful, law-abiding, successful and happy adult (or at least I like to think so!)…so I hope my kids will turn out pretty darn good too. 

Check back to see if my school outlook changes as three kids enter a school system that ranks tops in the state. I have 8 years of background in NJ to compare it too–so let’s see how this year will stack up.

For now, based on orientations, classroom assignments and facility capabilities, our schools get 12 thumbs up!