Ava began her 2nd year of pre-school at Mariposa Montessori earlier this month.
We are so proud of her brave spirit in a new, much larger classroom with 18 children and 2 teachers.
It helped that on the very first day back the first teacher she saw was lst was last year's ms. Junko who wrote me this letter on the last day of the school year:
Dear Cassie,
I would like to say that you again for your love and Ava's. Ava's pure, pearly tears filled me with a lot of love. I was also very touched by both of you when Ava gave me a flower bouquet on Wednesday (I was having a hard time to stop crying afterwards). I am so blessed to have parents like you who have such a loving gentle heart. I will absolutely miss you both next year, but I am glad that I can still see you two at school. Getting know you and Ava is a precious treasure in my life.
Thank you so much again. Have a wonderful summer!
With lots of love,
Junko.
(a few photos from the last day, last year)
Ms. Nabila, Ava, Ms. Junko
That letter is just a great example of the loving energy at the school.
On the first day back this year, Ms. Junko, having to greet her new 3 day students, paused to give Ava a long heart-felt hug and welcome her back to school.
After her day was over she got to see Ms. Nabila (who told me privately last year that Ava was one of her favorite students) *you don't really want teachers to have favorites...unless their your own, I guess--ha!) I was touched at how long she held onto Ms. Nabila. It showed me that she built some real attachments last year and it was comforting to her to see them, still there, just a few doors down. It was the best way I could imagine re-entering the environment for Ava.
The adjustment has been very smooth and she seems engaged and actively learning already!
Today on our walk home she told me, " Did you know what mommy? The sun is made of burning gas! And there are other planets, like Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and ummmm....."
"Venus?"
"Yes! Venus, mommy!"
I was a little taken back, to be honest, that she had taken it all in and reiterated it back to me.
She also told me, "And I'm learning my new teachers names. Do you want me to tell them to you? ...Ms. Grishma and Ms. Felina."
I over excitedly said, "yes! that's right, Ava! Great job remembering!" to which she replied, "but I don't know which one is Ms. Grishma and which one is Ms. Felina."
"that's ok", I said. You will soon enough.
When I picked her up from school this week, Ms. Felina mentioned to me how well behaved Ava is and obedient to the classroom rules. I smiled inside at the thought of how much she challenges us at home.
Every day after school she plays "school" in the living room. She's not the nicest teacher, I must say, constantly asking the "children" if they are abiding by the RULES!
I listen from the kitchen and 2 things pass through my silly mind. The first time I wondered, "are her teachers really strict and hard on her?" No, no no, Cassie. Nonsense! Then I remembered how I used to play "school". Just ask Poppi if you want to know. Not the kindest teacher either (sorry Poppi).
It's so amusing to see her have similar qualities as I had as a kid. Maybe it's just about development, maybe she's exerting her sense of power in her imaginative play.
Either way, it's fun to be around. Never a dull moment with her these days!
I continue to know this is the right school for her. And the right school for me. I really enjoy the others mothers from her class also. They are very down to earth and easy to talk to and build friendships with. I only wish we all moved on to Kindergarten together. But there I go getting way ahead of myself. :)
*thanks to Poppi for snapping this shot of us before we left on her first day
And thanks for G&G for supporting Ava through this amazing school!
We are beyond grateful!
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