Movin' On Up ... to the Blue Room and the 3rd Floor

Today was the last day of the 2009-2010 school year at St. Benedict's Episcoal Day School and Preschool. This closing day marks the end of an amazing beginning.

Last August Brady and Parker entered St. B's as students for the first time - Parker to a trailer; Brady to a cramped, shared classroom. I think we were all a bit nervous, unsure of what lie ahead, yet excited about the new beginnings St. B's had to offer.

Here was a brand new school, taking a huge leap into the world of elementary education, and we leapt right along with it. The school was bred from a shared vision that education could - and should - be a community effort that strives to nurture and grow the whole child: mind, body and spirit.

The year has seen many challenges, and as has jokingly become an unofficial St. B's motto, we have often had to 'go to plan B.' We have faced these tests of the pioneer spirit with conviction, commitment and renewed belief in our community and school.

I believe there isn't a single child at St. B's that doesn't feel seen, heard and loved - not only by his/her teacher, but by the team of enthusiastic professionals, parents and volunteers that circle the school daily. The smiles and welcomes that greet every child, every day during carpool, in the lunch line and in the hallways still amaze me.

Brady and Parker have each made huge leaps in growth this year.

For months Parker didn't talk in school. He made friends slowly, and he never spoke during class or offered answers. I worried. I fretted. I had to let him find his own way. And he did. Now a day doesn't go by that he doesn't scream out the car window at his buddies during carpool. When I pick him up from after-school care, he often runs the other way, begging me "can I stay just a little bit longer?"

Parker is still a quiet kid, and most likely he won't ever be the one pushing to get to the front of the line, but he's confident, he's secure, and he's happy. I can't ask for more than that.

Brady had a separate set of challenges this year. His nature is such that he IS the kid rushing to the front, speaking out of turn, answering for others. Brady has had to learn to hold back, and to allow space and time for others. While we had several false-starts on this front, working together and as a team, Ms. Brackin (above) and the teachers of St. B's presented a program that worked for him. It was positive. It was reassuring, and it celebrated his contrubutions, while helping him to offer them appropriately.

Hopefully we'll be able to pick up where we left off in the fall with this great behavior! Maybe we'll make him walk around with star stickers all summer in his bathing suit. I wonder if they make waterproof stickers .... it's a thought!

On August 9th Brady moves up to 1st grade, located on the "big kid" 3rd floor, and Parker moves across the hall to a "big kid" Blue Room reserved for Pre-K.

They are both ready for summer ... but I have no doubt that they will also be ready for the new experiences, lessons, and joys that next year will bring.

During a closing assembly today the children had a chance to sing and perform one more time this year before a very proud audience of parents. And in a 'thank you' speech by our wonderful Parents Association President we were reminded of a comment that Father Lang Lowrey said to us parents early last year. He looked around the room and said some of your most precious and longest-lasting friendships will evolve through your childrens' school. At that time I knew some of the parents at St. B's - not all that many and not all that well.

Today, my cup runneth over. Many of the parents in this community - both moms and dads - have become battle-buddies, steadfast in our shared endeavor. I thank each of them - and you know who you are - for your loyalty, your laughter (sometimes through tears), your hugs and your friendship. And while we are all ready for a little R&R this summer, I look forward with an eager heart toward the wonderful achievements we will undoubtedly tackle together next year.

This afternoon as we waved "see ya soon" to so many fantastic friends, and as we embark on our various summer adventures, I left a large piece of my heart, both peaceful and patient, beneath the shade of an old Oak Tree.