This week has been one of the strangest “back to schools” yet. I started back, and so did our kids. My spouse took a full-time position that requires work at an office sometimes (Kent State University) and had previously homeschooled them since the start.
We figured a 1:2 ratio would be beneficial – and it certainly worked well for all involved. And no, we didn’t homeschool because of some held beliefs… other than in the metric system perhaps! Our kids have both inherited our passion for learning, science, and people of all kinds.
But…
Look at the picture above. That’s Oskar, our 6th grader. His second day of school.
What have we done?
Oskar is a kind, thoughtful, and well-mannered kid. He’s a gentle giant. He gets upset sometimes. He’s overwhelmed by large crowds or loud environments. Stuff like middle school.
And having been thrown into a new setting (by us…) it’s amazing he’s still smiling.
After sailing through his first day, the morning of the second was significantly different. Tears, lots of emotions, not wanting to go, and fighting his fears about what school is like.
After all, school thus far has been at home, on his terms mostly. Now, there’s a school bus, car rider line, and loads of stimulation.
His mom dropped him off, guided him into the office, and coaxed and cajoled the best she could. No dice. Oskar wasn’t going to school.
When…
“Oskar! What’s up buddy?”
One of his teachers from the day before (remember – this is day 2) saw him through the office window, came in, and started the magic that is Oskar’s new middle school.
“You know who else likes StarWars? Our resource officer. Let’s get him.”
More magic.
“I’ll go get his guidance counselor, too!”
Now there were three. And mom. And Oskar… A team.
30 minutes later, Oskar was on his way to school. He came home having had a “pretty good day” and was mostly smiling.
On day three, it only took 5 minutes to get going…
Mom and I are amazed at the team, the dynamic and culture of Oskar’s school, and their willingness to open their arms, and lovingly wrap around our (sometimes) overly emotional 11-year-old.
And what about us? We’ve done some crying this week, too. And the middle school’s front office staff knew just what to say.
“We’ve got you!”
Knowing Oskar’s got a team that knows how to connect, guide, and support him is something new for us. So far, joining a new family has been nothing but magical. Blue Devil magic, perhaps?
Oh, and Emelie? She’s a freshman at the high school. I emailed her principal to be on the lookout…She’s a free spirit.