Jackson and Hannah started school this week! Hannah started 1st grade and Jackson started pre-k.
Hannah had a rough year in Kindergarten. Her school was supposed to be a good school, but it was run like a small prison in my opinion. I was never allowed inside her classroom and got no feedback or communication whatsoever from her teacher. The kids were constantly yelled at and warned that they were being watched on security cameras. Hannah was terrified of school.
We moved during the summer so Hannah goes to a new school. Its the same district so I assumed this school would be similar to her old school, even though its rated one of the top 5 elementary schools in Florida. We were pleasantly surprised to find that her new school is great! Everyone is so friendly. I can go into her classroom before or after school and talk to her teacher anytime. The kids have more freedom to be themselves and a lot less rules. There is no one in the cafeteria yelling at them over a microphone. Hannah is so much more happy here. The school is an International Baccalaureate school, which means they follow a curriculum developed in Switzerland that is usually only used in private schools in the US. All the parents seem to be really happy with it, so we look forward to learning more about it. Her teacher, Mrs. Clarke, seems so nice and caring and Hannah comes out of class giggling every day instead of crying like last year. Her friend, Marina, who lives in our building is in her class too! Before school started we prayed that Hannah would have a nice teacher and would be able to make friends and our prayers were answered.
Pre-k is free for 4-year-olds in Florida. It is half day, but it is every day. You get a certificate from the state and then you can enroll your child in any school that accepts the certificate. We found a school for Jackson at a Jewish Temple. It seems like a great mix of fun and learning. His friend, Ila, from our branch is in his class too! I think it seems like a wonderful school, but so far Jackson isn't a fan. He has always been a home body and would rather be home than anything, so its hard for him to leave every day. He says school is too long, recess is too sweaty, and he doesn't learn anything because apparently he already knows everything. I feel a twinge of guilt dropping him off every day since technically he doesn't have to go, but I am hoping it will ease the blow of having to go to full-day kindergarten next year. I hope he learns to like it soon!
