Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Star Status

It was the first day of school today and I felt like a movie star. Because I teach kindergarten my kids don't officially start until Monday, but we do have other responsibilities like screening the newbies and morning and afternoon duty. 
That's where the movie star part comes in. 
I walked out to the playground this morning with my own second grader, who immediately took off to find his friends which officially relieved me of mom duty. Since he's pretty much grown up at our school he thinks he owns the place...what does he need me for?
But there were some who did need me. My little cherubs from last year. Now so much bigger than when they walked into MY classroom last September. I'm what's comfortable and familiar. I can be counted on to point them in the right direction and provide the "you've gotten so big!" and the "how was your summer?"
I got the smiles and waves from last year's moms and dads, some of whom I've come to consider friends, but the best part was the hugs. The hugs from my former students, some now third graders who still look to me for a little security in a playground of uncertainty. The second graders who think they're so grown up now, but still come for the hug and know it's okay, and the first graders who aren't really sure it's okay to hug me in case it's too "babyish" now that they're no longer in kindergarten.
But as I walk across the playground, collecting those hugs like Oscars and Emmys on a shelf, and I hear one "Hi Mrs. Kindergarten" after another, I smile because I know I have arrived.

10 comments:

Lori said...

I so get it. My high school students do the same thing only it comes in the fashon of, " I love your new shoes Ms. P. " And then I feel responible to ask about the summer. THEN they tell me about the boys, the jobs, the whatever. And they never ask me where I got my shoes.

Nash's Mom said...

It WAS comforting to see you there and I'm sure it gave Nash and others that little extra confidence they may have needed to get through that first day.

And for the record, there was NEVER a typo on anything you sent home. Ever.

Jen W said...

Those kids know a good thing when they see one!!!

eyes_only4him said...

aww..how sweet..

Anonymous said...

Can I have your autograph? ... Hey, I can't wait to hear about moms who don't want to leave and kids who cry the whole day and the ones you know right off are gonna be bad seeds. Ew, can't wait!

Crazy Married Folks said...

Awww Lisa I really enjoy reading your blog!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you were my kids teacher!

MsPicketToYou said...

My girls Kindergarten teacher hugged me today. I don't have any kids in that school anymore (sigh, but I'll be back) and seeing her and getting that hug? The best.

jennai said...

Those kids know a good thing when they see one

jennai said...

Those lids know a good thing when they see one thanks for sharing

jennai said...

The kids will enjoy are when they are with friends and other kids