An open house for parents (and rowdy kids)

I gained a new appreciation for Vickey and her 10-year career as a public school teacher last night (for my sister as well, as she has taught in the public schools in New York and Vermont for about that long).

We attended Eliana’s elementary school open house last night. The school cafeteria was full to overflowing with teachers, administrators, parents and young children.

The small room—small in the sense of everything being designed for kids—was quite warm and very noisy, with a sound system barely adequate to hear what was being said.

We sat (I stood because there wasn’t a spare seat for me) for about 30 minutes while the principal introduced her staff and welcomed us to a new school year. The principal was just what you’d imagine for an elementary school principal: young, cheery, friendly, upbeat and reassuring.

Then we were “dismissed to go to our classrooms.” It’s been a while since I was dismissed like that.

Ellie’s classroom was nice, very kindergarten-esque. I’m sure she enjoys it there with the other kids. Perhaps one of these days I’ll be able to volunteer to be in the classroom to see first-hand.

Her teacher was pleasant, although a bit stressed to get through her presentation amidst dozens of noisy children of all ages and anxious parents. Me, I wasn’t too anxious as I’ve been on allergy medication (it makes me drowsy) for a yucky sinus infection and I was looking forward to bedtime.

I always wondered why Vickey came home from parent teacher nights hoarse. I certainly can understand why after watching Mrs. Gupton for 25 minutes in that setting.

And I should mention that yesterday Vickey underwent the second part of her root canal, sitting in the dental chair for more than two hours. And she still went to the open house! Now that's dedication.

From my perspective, Eliana seems to be in a good school with a good teacher and good support system. I was a bit surprised to hear Mrs. Gupton talk of kindergartners who could read . . . . Could I read at age five? I don’t think so.

At any rate, I’m sure Ellie will progress in her learning and perhaps do better at it than she has at respecting her parents lately. Can you say five going on 16?


Tomorrow’s Ellie’s fifth birthday and I’m planning to take her shopping in the afternoon while Vickey and Dominic pick-up Grandma Snow who’s flying in for a surprise birthday visit. Then we’ll all go out to dinner for her birthday. Ellie chose The Cheesecake Factory (and I’ll bet she orders the pepperoni pizza; so predictable).

After dinner—are you ready for this, grandma?—we’re planning to get Ellie’s ears pierced! That’s what she has told us for several weeks she wants to do for her birthday. Vickey and I keep talking with her about it to prepare her for the temporary pain and long-term care (that'll weigh more on Vickey's shoulders, I suspect). And we’ve told her she doesn’t have to go through with it if she doesn’t want to once we get there.

If I know Ellie and her determined will, she will want to go through with it. We’ll find out soon enough.