More Than 'First Day of School' Concerns

Good Day Patch Family.  After a long time away, I am back (hold for applause).  Today is the first day of school in Prince William County and everyone (with kids) have their first day of school concerns, but my concerns are far ranging, and will not be over when the first day of school is through.

Today is my oldest's first day of High School and for the first time, I am not bigger than every boy on campus (and that's why I'm drinking milk, so one day I can be big and strong).  My daughter is a very pretty and talented girl, many upperclassmen will be throwing their game at this "fresh fish" to see if they can get a notch on their belt.  Figuring that since she has not really gone "boy crazy" like many of her friends, it is bound to happen sometime this year, but hopefully not too soon.

Today is my middle's first day of her last year of Elementary School, with the hope that she is given the chance of running for Student Council President.  Even though she is a social butterfly that has steadily improved in the classroom, she is not the ideal picture of what that level of student should be.  With today being her first day of her last year of Elementary School, the concerns of her transition to Middle School is evident in my mind, hoping that I'm not transfering that to her.

Today is my youngest's first day of school without the concern of going to dance classes.  Prior to this year, we would get her off the bus and then wisk her off on 60 to 240 minutes of dance classes.  On days she didn't have dance, we would cram a few days of homework into one night, which would prevent her from playing with the rest of her friends (and her sisters).  Even though her sisters viewed her as the spolied one, she had to work much harder, and didn't achieve all that she could in school.  This will also be the first day of the last year of school that she will have her older sister in school with her, which means more of a maturation process in preparation of next year.

For my wife and I, our concers are; what will our involvement to the schools be this year; who are the new batch of parents to interact with; will our girls be prepared for what is out in front of them; are we prepared for next year when we have a child in all three levels of PWC Schools; we will have to ramp up being restrictive parents or will be allow our "artists" to bloom and be all that they have the ability to be?

To me, the first day of school is the same as any other day (except for the costs of new supplies, new clothes, and spending all weekend painting their dang bedrooms CRAZY colors), but the excitement of this school year is different than any other.  I have a feeling that THIS year, will be an interesting one.....I just hope that it is a good one and not a bad one.

More to follow......................