Kindergarten Round Up- Round 3

Round 3 is a little misleading at his point since this round included 3 new school visits (making this a total of 7 visits to different kindergartens in the area). Thankfully this round was much more successful than the last 2. And although I liked all 3 schools (at least to some degree and at least in comparison to the others I visited) I really loved one of them. Perfect it is not, but good enough for sure. It was warm and welcoming when I walked in. The staff- from the secretary and teachers, to the principal- were all very friendly and seemed to be have students interests and well being as their top priority. The walls were adorned with children's work that balanced creativity and academic push. And although I know this honeymoon phase of loving the school may soon pass- I sure hope it continues to be a happy commitment for some time to come. Our only obstacle now is waiting to see if we are granted the space available transfer spot. *fingerscrossed*

Kindergarten Round Up- Round 2

Although I went to our neighborhood public school open house, I did so with low expectations. I had heard not so favorable things from both teacher friends of mine and parents who kids go to the school. And while I knew I was walking in with judgments from others, I really tried to keep an open mind about the school and what could offer our daughter besides the convenience (for us parents anyway) of getting bussed every day.

Overall, I left just as disappointed and confused as I had left the other two schools. I really liked the principal. He seemed easy to work with and seemed like he would try to accommodate parents while keeping the best interest of all children in mind. But then there were the teachers. None of them made a stunning impression.

One of the teachers is fairly new and perhaps given a few years would be good- but he is not there yet. And although he wouldn't be harmful for our daughter, I wasn't sure he would be the best either. The second teacher was horrible and left me with an immediate bad taste as she danced around questions and slimed her way out of providing any meaning information about anything. I knew if my daughter ended up in her class, there would be more than one occasion we would not see eye to eye- and resolving anything with her would not be pretty. The third and final teacher was experienced and seemed to know how to handle an inquisitive parent. Props to her for at least answering my questions with knowledge and patience. With that said however; she made a horrible first impression as I observed her argue with teacher 2 about who was going to get the cute little girl that walked in with another family. And although the little girl was cute, their exchange was not; and it left me wondering about the professional choices they make when they don't feel they are onstage. Not to mention teacher 3's personal hygiene was seriously lacking.

So unlike the last school, I liked the principal but really wasn't impressed with the teaching staff- who on a day to day basis really are more important. So, by the end of Round-up rounds- I am still hopeful the neighboring district will decide to open up for school of choice again this year. For now it is just a waiting game I guess.