Sarah's School

Sarah's in her third week of school now. She seems to be enjoying it. She tells me her teacher tells her that she listens well, and she's earned some positive reinforcement - stars and awards. She's also talked about some of the kids who misbehave. She knows the names of many classmates now.

Here's a picture of Sarah on her first day wearing her uniform. She also has a red sweatshirt with the school name and logo on it that she alternately wears.



I walk Sarah to and from school every day. It takes about 15 minutes each way. We get to school just before 8.45 and congregate outside her door with other parents and kids. There are many doors; each is used exclusively by one or two classes for dropoffs and pickups. This way I've gotten to meet some other parents. Then at 8.45 a staff person opens the door and Sarah disappears inside. I come back by 3.20, when teachers lead their students out in a line, and teachers help send each student off to a parent. Outside of these times, entry gates to school areas are mostly locked.

Early on Sarah had some confusion about lunches. We buy her tokens from the school office, and a drink at lunchtime costs 25 pence, so we put both in a plastic baggie with her name on it. The teacher manages the baggies and hands them out at lunchtime. The first few days Sarah returned with slips from the lunchroom about missing payments because she'd eaten or drank without paying. She's also lost her sweatshirt and sweater (both eventually returned because students' names are put on their collars) and once brought home clothes from a classmate. But these problems are decreasing as she gets used to the routine of things.

I've been making arrangements with the after-school club that's near the school. Once I start working they will pick her up after school and she can play with other kids for an extra two and a half hours instead of being stuck with a crabby Dad who just wants to read.