Tuesday, July 31, 2007
We’ve TRACKED OUT already!
Our first “track out” has begun. The initial 3 weeks of school passed very quickly. At our house we called those first 3 weeks of school “School Camp”, because we were going to be in and out so quickly—-AND because it was hard to believe that 2 of my kids actually had to go to school when the rest of us were playing at the pool. The term “camp” doesn’t sound as serious as “school”, so that’s how we handled it. This year it wasn’t too bad because all 4 kids got out of school with the traditional calendar in early June, so we had 5 weeks of summer together before my 2 younger kids had to go back to school. Next year will be the real test when the younger kids only get 1 week of summer vacation before going right back into school!
From the perspective of a parent, I feel that the start of the school year at Leesville Elementary went very smoothly. Of course I wasn’t anticipating any problems, because we have such a wonderful principal and staff, and I knew they’d make it all come together for everyone. As with anything new there were a few kinks to work out, but overall, people (students, parents, staff) were in good spirits. Even though the conversion was not what we wanted, at least the majority of the kids at our school are at a familiar place with familiar teachers and friends. I’ve heard from several people at some of the other converted schools where the transition was not nearly as smooth or positive. I do realize we’re fortunate for many reasons.
As a family, it was strange not having my younger kids home to enjoy daytime summer activities with us, but thankfully we’re on track 3 where they only missed 3 weeks of the summer together this year. Tracks 1 & 2 are still in school, and when they track out their older siblings in traditional middle and high schools will be starting back to school, so they miss out on this additional “common summertime” that track 3 receives.
It seems that in any situation, people are more apt to share negative experiences than positive ones. I know that I’d like to read some positive stories from others, so if anyone has some of those to share please pass them along for everyone to read!
