Leah's First Day of 2nd Grade

Today was the first day of 2nd grade for Leah.  (Aaron doesn't start kindergarten until next week.)  The excitement for Leah actually started last night, as she lost her first top tooth (and her third tooth in six weeks).

Leah shows her new gap.

The school day didn't start off on the best note as it POURED down rain this morning.  I was hoping to get a nice picture of Leah's first day outfit like I did last year on the steps during our walk, but no such luck.  I had to make due with an inside picture.

Leah modeling her new school dress.

Leah's teacher this year is Ms. Hatzenbuhler, or Ms. Hatz, as she tells the children they can call her.  Leah said she was nice.  After school there was a program at school where the families could meet all the specialists (guidance counselor, art teacher, music teacher, reading specialist, etc.). The PTO provided refreshments.  After that, there were scheduled times where the families could go to their child's classroom and meet the teacher.

Leah with her teacher, Ms. Hatz.

Ms. Hatz, to me, seemed to be very yin-yang.  What I mean by that is on one hand, she seemed very no-nonsense and strict with her classroom expectations.  Then on the other hand she is very flexible and easy-going with homework, etc.  It kind of reminds me of the transition from Leah's preschool experience to kindergarten, which was vastly different despite being at the same school.  It seems now Leah is transitioning from "fun" school to real school.  The classroom atmosphere is less decorations, toys, books, etc.  (I forgot to take a picture of that.)  There are no more birthday celebrations during class.  There is no morning snack time.  I hope Leah still likes school after a couple weeks.  (Ha, ha!)  One thing that is interesting is that Ms. Hatz has put a big emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and her whole afternoon schedule incorporates that.

There are 20 kids in Leah's class including about 7 from her class last year.  There is also another Leah in her class this year--a first for my Leah's school experience.  Leah was particularly happy her friend Richard is in her class this year. 

Richard and Leah

To celebrate Leah's first day at school, I made Leah's favorite dinner:  pancakes.  Scince this was a school-related celebration, I made alphabet pancakes.  The kids loved eating their names.

I even made chocolate chip cookie bars for dessert.

Here's hoping the 2013-14 school year is a success!