A Tough Decision

When we were applying to schools for Max, we applied to quite a few of them. While we are happy with Max's teacher, the school was not our first choice. On Friday morning our first choice school called to let us know there was a spot for Max. We would need to let them know by Monday, today, if we wanted it.

It seems like an easy decision when comparing the two schools. And on paper it was a no-brainer. Max's feelings, however, were going to be a whole different thing. Max LOVES school, and he perceives that love as love for his current school; he can't imagine anywhere else. All of us love his teacher and think she's been outstanding.

We don't know what the next few years will bring, but this move will help us guarantee a good education for Max, one that challenges him, and prepares him for his future. Bobbie Jo and I are not looking forward to telling him about it. Today when I get home from work we will tell him that tomorrow he starts at a new school. In a few weeks we're sure he'll be fine, but tonight is going to be tough.

Max-when you read this someday you probably won't even remember the old school. We hope you know that we are always doing what (we hope) is in your best interest whether you understand it or not.

Updated 5:30 pm
Looks like our fears were unwarranted. He's excited for the 3 recesses. Looks like we agonized for 3 days over nothing.

Tomorrow is his (second) first day of school!

The Kids

If I had known they would stand still for a picture I would have dressed them better.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Last night Bobbie Jo and I met with Max's teacher for our first Parent Teacher Conference. We know that Max is an easily excitable kid, and that he frequently comes home on "yellow" (the class has a Green/Yellow/Red behavior chart). We know he's smart, but didn't really have any idea how he was doing at school. We pretty much just drop him off and pick him up every day.
We got to spend almost 30 minutes with his teacher as our 15 minute slot was the last of the day. She showed us Max's work, some of his informal tests, and told us all about him.

• Max is a 'brilliant kid', and his desire for learning is contagious. The other kids want to finish their work first to "be like Max"
• Max's bad behavior is never mean-spirited or malicious. He likes to help other kids and gets a bit too excited at times. Sometimes he will get so excited the teacher will have him sit in his seat for a few minutes to settle down (sound familiar?).
• Max is in a small group with other kids like him and the group gets along real well. It sounds like Max gets along with all of his classmates, his teacher, and the aides.

Both Bobbie Jo and I are overjoyed. We both felt close to tears hearing such great things about our kid. I couldn't wait to get home and tell him how proud we were of him.

It's so awesome to have someone else objectively tell you how special your kid is. It's great to hear, even though we already knew it.

An Interview with Max