Both girls were ready for school to start. Amanda managed to lose a tooth that morning before she left - which was good since it was bothering her. Amanda said she was bored the first day - too much going over the rules. She started 6th grade at the middle school. Now there is switching classrooms for each class; lockers with combination locks, gym uniforms, new teachers and more kids. Our middle school combines 4 elementary schools from the area. She knows other kids from other schools through church, softball and girl scouts which makes it easier. She is loving her Enriched Literature and Math teacher who is so motivating and excited about learning.
Madeline said it was like she never left. She has a tough semester to start her Junior year with AP Chemistry, Honors American Liturature, FST (Functions, Statistics and Trigonometry), Citizenship and personal finance and Band. She had homework the first night and ever since. She says her FST teacher scares her. I have since met her and she just isn't the outgoing type - serious and to the point. It doesn't mean she isn't a good teacher.
I am amazed at the expectations for high schoolers - critical thinking skills, high level analysis, responsibility. I know adults that could learn a lot by going back to high school. I guess that's what makes our schools good. It is still a lot of pressure when you add extra curricular activities and community service and a job. I'm hoping for a successful year for her with minimal frustrations.
