My dearest pickle,
September is here, and it means a new academic year!
You will be going to a new school this year. Even further than your previous school in Astoria. You will be a Manhattanite! How did you feel about that?
You had wanted to go to this school since you were in sixth grade but I decided that it was too much for you to wake up very early and get home late when you were only in sixth grade. I understand and support your passion for learning, but I also do not want to make going to school to stressful that it becomes a burden.
We talked about the fact that you would have to wake up at 5:40 AM. We talked about the possibility that you may have to stay up late if you have plenty of homework. We discussed commuting during winter. I had worries about all these. You said, "I have to make a sacrifice if I want to have a good education." Dang! What else could I say? Why would I say no to the excitement on your face about going to this new school? Your happiness is my happiness.
It was a busy start - choosing after-school programs, electives, signing you up for the new grading tool, figuring out the dynamic of the school, getting yourself familiar with the new schedule, and getting to know your new classmates and teachers. But I believe, the best lessons you learned so far are:
1. Being admitted to the volleyball junior varsity team. You didn't think you would make it, but you did. The coach said that he was looking for students who show efforts to learn and progress. So I guess you did. :)
2. It is OK to share your thoughts and interest. You were placed in Women and History elective. Although this was one of your choices, you wanted to do Jazz Band and play trumpet again. I suggested you talk to Mr. Fisher, which you did. Look who is the Jazz Band team now?
3. Taking responsibility for your actions. Shits happen. This time you lost your MTA card, one week after the school started. I am sorry that I got upset. Soon after we got home, you emailed Donna about the incident, who later said how impressed she was with what you did because you showed that you took responsibility.
As for me? I learned to start letting you go. Because, although I still worry like s*#!t, I trust that you will be fine.
I love you to pieces, pickle!
xoxo
Your dill
