The family, especially the mom, were still shifting from Beijing time to Pacific time. As a result, we missed the packet pick up time, so neither Connor nor Emma knows who is going to be their teacher. We were told that they needed to find it out on the morning of the first day of school.
“Seriously? Could not you email the teachers asking about the classroom assignment?” proposed Connor.
“I’m not going to disturb every single teacher in your grade during the last days of their summer vacation,” I was firm although feeling guilty a little bit.
“Then how can we find out?” Emma worried about having nowhere to stay on the first day.
“Oh, you ask every 2nd grade teacher if you are on her roster. If you are lucky, it might only take one try,” I am trying to make the task sound easy and Emma clearly was not convinced.
On the morning after Labor Day, the neighborhood streets became the parking lot for the elementary school. The residents apparently get used to this first day of school scene over the years. The kids all look fresh and sharp with new backpacks and haircuts. The parents carried big bags of school supplies and a sense of new beginning too. BIG THANKS TO AUNT GRACE WHO PREPARED THE DAUNTING AMOUNT OF SCHOOL SUPPLY FOR THE KIDS! Connor asked about school supply in China. It was a big relief for him to learn that Aunt Grace, the much more reliable person, took on the task.
On the way, Emma was still worried about finding the teacher. Connor suggested that they go to the office instead of every classroom to ask about the teacher assignment.
“Emma, you’d better practice how to ask now. Here is how it goes: Hi! My mom forgot to pick up the packet. Could you please tell me who is my teacher?” taught the cautious brother.
The principal and the specialty teachers were spread around the school welcoming students. They look SO happy to see every single kid. The crowd was huge. Daddy took Connor; I took Emma at the building entry. Emma and I went straight to the office. Emma quietly waited in line while I took a seat at the round table. When it was her turn, she spoke clearly “My mom forgot to …” The other mothers in the office could not help smiling. I wish I were not there.
Emma is in Mrs. Kim’s class, the best teacher ever in Connor and many others’ opinion! Connor was with Mrs. Kim for 2nd grade year and he had a blast. We all feel very fortunate that Emma is in her class too. Mrs. Kim shook hands with every kid entering her classroom and told them which table they are sitting. Despite the hovering parents, every kid knows exactly where they should go and what they should do next. Emma sat at her table and started working on the word search right away. Soon, her best friend, Rita, came to join her at the green table. Without loud greeting, the two girls smiled at each other and continued with what they were doing.
When I found daddy, Connor already started organizing his desk. He seemed very comfortable with the new teacher and classroom. Later at pick up time, Connor told me he knows every one in the class except 2 new students. Now we see the advantage of remixing students every year. Alec and Connor once and again missed each other this year. They have been best friends for the good part of their lives and for 5 years straight, they were assigned to different classes.
A huge crowd gathered at the flag pole for the first day after school pickup. Clearly the kids had lots of fun. They came out with great spirit as if they just finished some exciting rides at amusement park instead of staying in the classroom learning and getting to know each other. Hope the curiosity for the unknown always stays and the learning desire never dies. Walking with grandma, I commented that the kids grow another inch or two during the summer. Grandma said “Don’t wish them grow fast. You will grow old all the same.” Looking at the fabulous grandma in her 70s, I am thinking it is not bad at all.
Figure 1 Best friends who were always seperated at school
Figure 2 Another pair of best friends
Figure 3 Walking home
Figure 4 Tree-climbing stop
Figure 5 Continue to walk
Figure 6 Arriving home at last
Figure 7 Nice spelling 
