Back To School Is Bittersweet

Today marks the first day of school here in Johnston. This morning, as I sat in front of my laptop to write this "Back To School" blog, my house was so quiet that I could actually hear the clock ticking on the wall! 

During the summer's daily hustle and bustle in my house, I could hardly even hear myself think, never mind notice the ticking of time. Now that my children are out of the house for the school day, I feel a major sense of relief, but also a little bit of wistfulness.

We had a lot of fun together this summer. . . a beach house in Narragansett, a day at Spring Lake, a trip to Six Flags, fishing at Memorial Park, and LOTS of swimming in different friend's pools.

Thank God for the other moms that I am friends with, who didn't mind getting together at the drop of a hat — "What are you doing today? Nothing. What are you doing? Nothing. Want to get together? Yes!!! The kids are driving me crazy 'cuz they are sooo bored!"

For all the good times we had, as the summer came to an end, even my kids had to admit that going back to school didn't seem so bad. This was actually the easiest first day of school morning that I have ever experienced. Both of my kids were up early and got ready and out the door without any trouble — one off to Johnston High and the other to Brown Avenue Elementary.

Lunches were packed and backpacks all set to go. There wasn't any anxiety about what to wear. My daughter made the effort to dress up, while my little guy took things in stride and just slipped into some shorts and a t-shirt. Although my daughter took the bus this morning, I opted to drive my son to school on his first day. Ms. Helena Dlugon (Brown Ave's Principal) and Carolyn Iannuccilli (PTO President) were at the front door to greet the students as they arrived. Parents were invited to join their children in the playground until school day began.

Lots of folks snapped photos or videotaped the big day. I forgot my camera and phone at home, so I just mingled with the crowd and enjoyed the moment. As soon as we arrived at school, my son found his "long lost buddy" (whom he hadn't seen all summer). After that, he didn't seem to care at all that I was there!

Wow! We have certainly come a long way since the first day of preschool, when he was kicking and screaming and the teacher had to literally pry him off of me! This was the bittersweet part — he is growing up! And, in very small increments, gradually growing away — becoming more self-reliant and confident...  just the way I want him to be...

Every first day of school marks a milestone for our kids and for ourselves as parents, a time to reflect on just how far we have all come. I want to wish everyone a safe, happy and successful 2012-2013 school year! May God bless all the dedicated people who make the Johnston Public School experience possible. 

A great big "thank you" to all the bus drivers/monitors, staff, custodians, teachers, and school administrators as we embark on a new school year!