Where did the summer go? Many folks will say we never had one — only 12 days with temperatures in the 90s, according to Columbian weather columnist Pat Timm. But for parents of schoolchildren, there is a distinct conclusion to summer that has little to do with weather and everything to do with changes in schedule, routine, transportation and responsibilities.
The first day of school can be filled with tears … and that’s just the parents. Kids, too, often are filled with myriad mixtures of excitement and anxiety. Unlike other milestones on the calendar, there’s no official countywide first day of school. Classes have been in session in the Green Mountain district for more than a week. In Ridgefield and Washougal, Tuesday was the first day of school. Classes began Wednesday in the Evergreen, Hockinson, La Center and Woodland districts. Next week, Camas students return Tuesday, and Battle Ground and Vancouver schools open Wednesday.
Wise parents know to make this transition a time of happiness. Cracking the academic whip and lowering the hammer on homework can wait a few days. For now, let’s all have fun and celebrate the new teachers, new classmates and new schools in our lives.
The challenge — no, the opportunity — is even greater for kindergarten students and their parents in the Evergreen district, which this year is instituting all-day, every-day kindergarten. You go, kids! Evergreen has applied ample research to this expanded schedule, and we have confidence in the kids’ ability to adjust.
If you still have the Thursday Columbian, take a close look at Page A1, at the color photo of a kindergarten class at Harmony Elementary School. You can also find that photo online here. Teachers Kristen Dunseth and Lauren Brown look like football officials after a touchdown. The kids look like fans in the stands. But instead of applauding athletes, they’re showing off their ability to follow instructions. In the photo’s background, the classroom looks bright, cheerful and full of unopened magic. It’s enough to make a crusty old-timer yearn for that time when the most wonderful person in the world — for several hours each day — was the teacher.
In that Thursday story, Stephen Flach describes the first day of school that his 5-year-old son Robert was experiencing. “He’s been up since 6, asking, ‘Can we go yet? Can we go yet?’ … He’s excited. I think I have more anxiety.” We bet Thursday evening’s dinner table was a lively place.
Parents, students and teachers should know that plenty of help is available at the schools, even online. One great source is http://www.pbs.org/parents/goingtoschool/index.html. Click on “Starting School” for tips. Here are a few of our favorite tips:
“Before school starts — Practice going to school. … Start going to bed earlier.”
“The first days of school — Don’t talk about how much you will miss your child. … (Parents) Make a swift exit (from the classroom) … when it’s time to go, go.”
“Settling in — If your child takes the school bus, encourage her to make bus friends. Get to know other parents at the bus stop to help you feel connected to school and to help your child find friends. … Don’t be surprised if your child is upset at the end of the day. … It’s actually a good thing when kids save up their hard feelings for their parents. … Attend school events. Go to back-to-school night and PTA meetings. These events give you the opportunity to see the world your child inhabits every day and meet the people in charge.”
We acknowledge that some of these tips lose their steam as children grow older. Middle-school children, especially, abhor “helicopter parents,” as do teachers and administrators. Always, though, stay involved, even if from a distance for the older kids.
