I feel like I've been quiet here this week.We've been taking time to visit schools as we face making decisions about where Jasper will go to school next autumn. He is only 5, and yet this whole process of applying to schools, visiting, interviewing, having observed play times, has all left me feeling spent and spread thin. IT is only Kindergarten, I keep telling myself, how can it be sane for it to be this complicated?
When my children were very young I heard bits and rumors about the rigorous process of finding a school for your child here in NYC, I remember thinking that I would be the girl who was above being stressed out by the whole thing. I would be the laid back mom who assessed the options in a smooth analytical way and then immediately saw and chose the best option for my child. No problem.
The reality has seen me sitting amidst piles of papers as I fill out applications and debate the merits of differing educational models and class sizes while Frank looks on with a worried look.
Here in Brooklyn there are other things to consider as well, like the hassle factor of getting your child to a school that is only 3 miles away but those are 3 miles that would take you a half hour each way to drive with the morning and afternoon rush.
With all of the craziness we finally got around to visiting our local public school yesterday, expecting to be unimpressed, and that's where I took the above photo. What a breath of fresh air! We live in a neighborhood that has seen a lot of young creative people move in over the past 10 years, and the school reflects that with its warm, art filled halls.
We still have our decisions to make, over the next few weeks.
I just love the idea of art washing the soul, cleansing the dust of everyday life. I imagine stepping out of a refreshing shower, ready to begin again.
4 comments:
Oh school time!! My daughter is turning 2 next month and I want to cry just over that, I can't imagine what a mess I will be when school comes! The public school looks very colorful and fun though, good luck choosing! <3 Sonja
So much to plan and think when it comes to finding the right school for your little ones. Thanks so much for sharing it here with us for i really enjoy reading the process.
Oh with regards to your question on Antwerp, i visited this gorgeous city last year. :) Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
I haven't been through the exact thing you are speaking of, but I still feel your pain, so to speak. I know that feeling of being at a big crossroads and having to make a decision that feels so monumental and important. It seems that when I get in a spot like that, the more I wring my hands, the harder it is for me to relax and sense what my gut feeling is. I rely very heavily on the feeling in my gut . . it is almost literal and definitely is a physical sensation. So, I hope you can step back and be able to see with more clarity what it is that you want to do. Plus, the good news is that kids are so resilient. With such loving parents like you & Frank, he's going to do great anywhere you pick.
I loved hearing that the quote on the stair riser is at the public school. .. that's so encouraging. Plus I'm liking the whole idea of painting quotes on my stair risers--new project in sight!!
I hope you have a lovely weekend . . . treat yourself! : )
Oh Faith. This is not an easy process. I work in a private school (high school) so I see a lot of that stress and it's unbelievable that it starts at such a young age. Although, I understand, as we live in one of worst public school districts in the nation. It's so frustrating. How encouraging that your neighborhood school looks so inviting and yes, filled with art. I will keep good thoughts that it all works out for young Jasper. I know I will be there in just a couple of years and there is no easy answer.
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