spynotes ::
  August 26, 2006
The Orient Express

This morning, after saying goodbye to my friend L, who was headed home, AJ led us up the hill past the barn, past the police department and the swimming pool and up another hill to his new school. It was back-to-school family orientation day and the place was rocking. Kids of all ages were running every which way. A table was set up in the lobby with volunteer children � 4th graders � who escorted those of us who didn�t know the school to our classrooms. A serious-looking boy named Giovanni led us to Ms. D�s room, where AJ will be spending most of his afternoons for the next nine months.

At first we wandered aimlessly around the large room full of interesting things to look at. AJ had an open-mouthed smile on his face that grew even bigger when he noticed that The Girl Next Door was not only in his class but also sitting at his assigned table. He found the cubby where he is to keep his gym clothes and the shelf for his school supplies. He explored the playhouse, stared at the gleaming row of computers and played with legos. He picked up the goody bag his teacher had made for each student � a cup with his name on it, some pencils and stickers and snacks. Finally, we were able to corral him in to meet his teacher.

Ms. D is a small, energetic woman. She has a lovely manner with the children, talking to them seriously, but also bending over to meet their faces. She didn�t seem to mind that AJ, in his shyness, did most of his talking over his shoulder with his back turned. She won him over, though, when she offered to restring his nametag, which was too short to be easily pulled on and off over his head.

After we finished in the classroom, we explored the corridors, peering into the music room, with it�s broken-legged piano; the art room, which smelled of paint; and the library, where we met a jovial spherical librarian who seemed to be the kind of woman who, once you knew her, would always greet you with a hug.

The school�s PTO was holding a breakfast in the school cafeteria/gym. AJ found The Girl Next Door and they both loaded up on donuts and juice before heading out to the playground to run around. AJ came home tired, but still excited about all he�d seen. When I tucked him in for a nap, he held up three fingers. �That�s how many days until kindergarten. I�m really excited. And a little scared. But mostly just excited.�

[Second entry today. Click back for bridal gowns and breast cancer.]

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