Registration

Camden had kindergarten registration today.  This whole signing up for school has been more of a process than I anticipated.  I guess I had in my mind how things would go and it simply wasn't like that. Isn't that how it always is?

There are a ton of schools to choose from around here.  Several of them are public charter schools that you need to apply and be accepted before attending.  Everyone talks about why each school is better and why they chose to send their kids where they did.  I asked several people and everyone seemed to have different opinions, which I guess started my frustration about picking where to send Camden.  I wanted someone to tell me what to do.  I thought you received a letter in the mail telling you when and where to send your kid for kindergarten.  I was dead wrong.

After making the decision to send Camden to school this year instead of next; I decided to go see the different schools for myself to form my own opinion.  The first magnet charter school I went to let me walk around, I asked questions, and they had a few answers for me.  Not super knowledgeable staff but friendly enough.  The next school, which was just across the street, told me they are unique from other schools in the area because they use the Harbor Method.  Not knowing what that was I asked if she could explain.  I wasn't very impressed when she herself couldn't explain what she had just told me made their school unique.  Trying to look past her lack of knowledge I continued with my questions.  During this time I saw a cute little boy come into the office not feeling well.  The other office staff member briefly touched his forehead and said, "call your mom".  When the little boy (who couldn't be older than 7) tried dialing his mom using a phone with several lines, he asked for help.  The same woman who "felt" his forehead got her panties all in a bunch because he couldn't figure it out.  I fought back the urge to stick up for the poor little guy and continued on chatting.  The secretary was clearly bothered by my "first time mom-ness" and tried to get on with her responsibilities.

I felt even more confused about what to do than before I had visited any schools.  I filled out the applications  and tried not to be offended when one secretary asked how I manage to live without owning my own home.  A few days later I was flipping through the free city magazine and saw a listing for kindergarten orientation.  It was at another school I hadn't yet visited and wanted to know what it was all about.  I called, the principal answered, he told me everything I needed to know and then asked if I had any questions.  He reminded me Camden was invited and said, "see ya Thursday".

During orientation they talked with the parents while the children went and visited several different classes.  Camden was extremely fearful about being left alone, but I asked him to be brave and he did just that.  On the way out the door, the principal called him by name and gave Camden a high five.  When we got in the car Camden asked when he could go back to school.  I felt good about it and so did he. 

After talking with Dan we decided to go ahead and get him registered.  I called the secretary who was beyond helpful and kind, she made me an appointment and we waited for our day. 

Today was that much anticipated day.  We were greeted, turned in our paperwork, and Camden was tested.  He knew everything they asked but needed help with the color gray, and differentiating between the letter U and V.  We will be notified sometime in the next month whether he will attend am or pm classes.  It feels good to have this decision behind us and get ready to embrace what's up ahead.