A New School Year Begins at a New School

As all schools work to balance money with classroom resources, it is finally becoming clear that many Texas public schools are not a good choice for all children.  Devin has done quite well in public school and has truly enjoyed his time at De Leon Elementary.  But as Texas continues to require "teach to the test" as the chosen method of educating children, it has become apparent it is time to make a move.  Last year the "reading" teachers at many schools were dismissed.  Struggling young readers and advanced readers alike had received special attention from these teachers.  But they were victims of the cuts.  This year it was explained at enrollment that there was no staff to handle any type of gifted learning.  Devin finished second grade with a reading level nearing a sixth grade level, elevated skills in math and science, wonder how he will occupy himself if he is not given challenging work?  Like any bored child, I bet he can find a way to fill in the extra time he has available. It makes me smile to think of all the things he could get into trouble doing.

Looks like making a move to a new school might be a better plan.  It is really late to be trying to get into a private school, but it is time to try.  I had always hoped that Devin would attend Trinity Episcopal Church, let's see if we can make it happen!  The whole family jumped into action.  They had a space available...yes!  Oh, wait....will the kid wear a uniform everyday and a dress shirt and tie every Wednesday for Chapel?  Will he wear a belt and keep his shirt tucked in all day?  Well, let's ask him.  His Mom talked to him about the possibility of changing schools and all the good stuff, then she explained the dress code, etc.  And what was his response?  "That is not a deal breaker"!  He is one cool little dude!  So next is the educational assessment and he met or exceeded their criteria.  So now for the last hurdle, we have very little time to get ready for school.  Trinity starts about a week and a half earlier than public school, so shift into high speed!  His Mom went to work, getting an original record of his shots from the pediatrician, found and bought school supplies, got enough of the required uniform pieces, dress shirt, belt, tie, etc. to get him started.

Now to add a few events to Mom's calendar...

1. Monday before school starts the parents have a "Back to School" night.  The grandparents get to keep Devin while she is gone!  Yea!  Add that to my calendar.
2. Tuesday before school starts is the Ice Cream Social and Meet the Teacher. 
3. Wednesday, FIRST DAY of SCHOOL!  Wear your dress uniform!

 

 


















After 8 days of school, how is it going?  Everyone loves Trinity Episcopal School!  Devin has made the transition without a single problem.  I swear he sits up straighter, smiles more and does his homework without being asked!  This is crazy, but I love it!

Tuesday evening Devin came to our house for dinner.  We sat down at the dinner table, Devin said the prayer.  Then we placed our napkins in our laps.  And next began the following dinner converstion with an eight-year old:

Devin looks up and says, "I really like impasto".
Larry and I look at each other, several rapid thoughts are flying through my brain:  Is he talking about a pasta dish?  He can't be talking about the painting technique of applying thick, lumpy paint giving a painting texture?
Finally I manage to say something like, "Do you mean the painting technique"?
He said, "Yes.  Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite artist".
I say, " I really like his paintings, too".
Devin says, "Have you seen "A Starry Night"?
"Yes, I love it".
Devin asks, "Have you seen the real painting"?
"No, just a photo of it".
Devin continues, "I like "Sunflowers", too.  Have you seen it"?
I said, "Yes and I like it too".

Devin tells us his art class is working on a flower painting, but right now they are refining the drawing before they apply paint.  The write-up for his new school says all children take Spanish, Art and Music.  They were very specific that this an actual "art" class, not "arts and crafts".  Well, I think that point has been proven.

Well, in an effort to keep the kid "well balanced", we will follow this high-brow dinner conversation with an equal portion of a Texas redneck activity.  We are going to Devin's third guitar lesson.  This is not a "classical" guitar lesson, this is Texas, western guitar.  His teacher is Wade Stockton, even the name sounds Texas western...and he is!  Devin's first song is:  Tom Dooley.  You know, Hang down your head Tom Dooley, hang down your head and cry, etc.  An old country and western song that played on the radio every morning in the early 1960's while my family was getting ready to go off to work and school.  So in an effort to keep the kid well balanced, we are off to guitar lessons!