First Day of School - Take One

 Today is the 1st first day of school for the children this school year. In about 5 weeks we will get to have our 2nd first day of school in Las Vegas. 

The next 5 weeks are kind of a big deal around here. Lucas is in half-day pre-k at the children's elementary school, which means I get two and a half blissful hours to myself (something that I have been day-dreaming about for the past decade). It is now a reality, but only for a short time. There is no public pre-k option in Las Vegas, so Lucas will be home with me all day once again when we move. Don't get me wrong, I love my children and I'm happy to have one-on-one time with him, but having all of my children in school is also a wonderful thing for my mental health as a homemaker. I'm sure many of you can sympathize. 

The second significant thing about the next 5 weeks is that ALL of my children will attend the same school. When we move, Howie will be entering Middle School. It starts in 6th grade in Las Vegas. Fortunately his current elementary school had been prepping the kids since 4th grade for the demands on Middle School. 

(left to right)

Erin - 5th grade

Howie - 6th grade

Jackson - 1st grade

Lucas - Pre-K

I love Lucas's expression. Initially he was not thrilled about the idea of starting Pre-K, but now that the concept has really sunk in, he's ecstatic about it. His class requires a tote bag that we were able to personalize. Lucas picked out the ribbon and letters for his name.

First day being at school ALL day. 

Jackson's first grade teacher is Karen Marinelli. She previously taught at Plaza Towers and saved the lives of three of her students in the tornado. She is still currently in a wheel chair, but has a substitute teacher in the classroom with her daily to help her as needed until she is walking again. She should be walking in the next few weeks. I've only spend a brief amount of time with her, but she has a heart of gold and truly is an angel. I'm so happy that Jackson gets to have her as his teacher for 5 weeks.

The video below is an interview that was done shortly after the tornado. She tells her story. 

The other children all have excellent teachers as well. We feel so very blessed to have amazing teachers at their school, caring for the children each and every day. They really are an inspiration! I'm going to miss Oakridge Elementary School when we move.