Back to School

Monday Darrius went back to school. His school -Franconia Elementary - officially started the new school year on August 3rd. Since we were on vacation last week, Darriu's first day was August 10th. This is Darrius' last year in elementary school. He's a 6th grader and I can hardly believe it. This is also the first year where Darrius will not be in before and after school care. He will be riding the bus to and from school. When he gets home in the afternoon, he will be home alone until I get home from work. He did great his first day. He called me when he was at the bus stop and called me once he was home. I worried all day yesterday. I know he can handle it but he's my baby. And I know that there are children out there who were latchkey kids at an earlier age than Darrius. When Alfred brought up the subject of letting D take the bus, I was hesitant. I didn't think he was mature enough. And I thought it would be safer to keep him in before and after care. But then I thought about it. I was in the 6th grade when we moved to Virginia and I became a latchkey kid. My mom didn't work when we lived in Memphis so she was at the bus stop in the morning and in the afternoon. Once we moved to VA and she had to get a job, I had to become more self-reliant. I was responsible for waking myself up, getting dressed, doing my hair and getting to school on time. I walked to school, taking a shortcut through the woods. There were a couple of times where I didn't make it to school on time but I blamed my walking partner. It was never my fault. ;-)

I guess Darrius is mature enough to handle the responsibility of getting himself to school. I did it at his age. Next week he turns 11. I can hardly believe it. It seems like yesterday he was just starting kindergarten. Time has flown.

D's first day at school was almost without incident until last night, when he realized he left his math book at school. Not a good way to start off your first day. I'm hoping this isn't a preview of how it's going to be all year. He is so unorganized; he has consistently left homework, books, supplies at school throughout his elementary school career. I've seen his desk at school and it's a wonder if he can find anything in that mess! His backpack is just as bad. I need to figure out a way to get this boy organized, at least by the time he enters high school!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a great year. I am praying for no parent-teacher conferences! I just want one grade without me having to go to one of those things. They are never for anything good.

I've told Darrius that I want him to not repeat any of his usual bad habits this school year. He said he'll try. I guess that's better than nothing.