Today was Lise's first day of Preschool at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, and she had a GREAT time.
Believe it or not, but AH is smaller than the town we lived in Utah. Thanks to the playgroups and town activities, we are fully immersed in our community. It's a rare day when we don't run into at least one person we know just walking through town, and that has made it all the easier to send Lise' to "big school."
Yesterday was Meet the Teacher Day. We were invited into the classroom, and the kids sang songs, read a book and did a small craft. Her classroom consists of stations such as blocks, art, books, dress up/playtime and games & puzzles. Then once a day they will visit other areas of the school that will be a regular part of their curriculum when they advance into the upper grades. Those include gym, media/library, technology (computers), art and music.
For weeks leading up to school, I explained to Lise' that the teachers may call her Anna Swindell, and that she would need to politely correct them. I know all you teacher friends are thinking we asked for this problem, and we're aware of it, but in my defense, there was a line on the registration form that asked if your child went by something other than their legal name. I can't help it if the administration chose to ignore it. That being said, everything referring to Lise' read "Anna Lise" (at least we were 1/2 way there). I did mention it nicely to the aide and the teacher, and I figured it would work itself out over time. When I picked Lise' up today, I asked her what they called her. She said everything with her name still said Anna Lise', but she told the teacher, "My name is Anna Lise' Swindell,but my mommy calls me Lise'." How cute is she. I'm so proud she opened her mouth.
Lise' will go to school 5 days a week from 12:15pm -2:45pm. Who knows what Abri and I will get into.
It's late, and it's a school night. I must go to bed.
