k c a B to l o o h Sc
PHOTO ADP STUDIO
And just like that WRITTEN BY ALI SCHWEITZER
When my 9-year-old son went off to kindergarten I celebrated. I was so excited for him, and to only be paying for one kiddo in child care. The first day went smoothly. There were no tears from either of us, it was pretty much a normal day. Fast forward five years as I get ready to send my daughter to kindergarten and things feel different. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s my last baby, or as I’ve gotten older these big changes affect me more, but whatever the reason I am not looking forward to kindergarten drop-off as much this time around. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m excited that both of my kids will finally be in the same school (even if it’s only for one year), my daughter is excited to embark on her new journey, and of course the extra money in my bank account will be so nice, but this time it just feels more raw. In fact, my daughter’s last day of Montessori made me and the teachers cry. After my daughter and I walked out of Renaissance Montessori for the last time this June I sat in my car and cried. Of course my sweet little girl asked me why I was sad and as I explained, it was because I was going to miss her school, all her friends and of course the family feel of it all. She patted my back and said, "It’s OK mom, I’m going to make so many new friends at my new school and it’s going to be so great!" While reassuring, that only made me cry harder. Both my children went to Renaissance and for the past six years it has been a huge part of our lives, so it really felt like the end of an era. Not only have the teachers loved my kids and taught them so much, but the families we have met and made friends with will always hold a special place in our hearts. And I will never forget how the school took in my son during the COVID school-shutdown and all those PIR days that I had to work. continued on next page... :: calendars, blog & more @ MTPARENT.COM ::
august 2022
13
