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August’s arrival often stirs butterflies in my stomach. During this time of year — when carefree summer days give way to the inevitable back-to-school routine — I remember my own …
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August’s arrival often stirs butterflies in my stomach. During this time of year — when carefree summer days give way to the inevitable back-to-school routine — I remember my own first day of school.
It did not go well.
In August 1989, I turned 5 years old, and a few days later, I started kindergarten.
I went to a wonderful school with a compassionate teacher — the kind of teacher who greets me with a warm smile whenever I see her, 36 years later.
I was in a developmental kindergarten class, specifically designed for younger kids. But I felt overwhelmed and anxious in an entirely new place for hours each day, away from my parents. While I was surrounded with great resources and skilled educators to help me succeed, my freshly 5-year-old self just wasn’t ready for school. So I quit.
One of my earliest memories is the day I took my crayons home and told my mom I would not return to kindergarten.
Rather than forcing me to continue, I am thankful that my parents recognized what I needed: another year.
My mom signed me up for a morning class at Ladybug Preschool, where the butterflies in my stomach gradually subsided and my educational journey began to grow.
Eventually, I did start kindergarten — and even stayed the entire year. I was blessed with another excellent teacher who helped me stay the course that first year, which culminated with the Kindergarten Circus. A beloved Powell tradition, the circus is a highlight of the kindergarten year as kids sing and perform in colorful costumes.
I still remember falling off the balance beam during my Kindergarten Circus, but I got back on and made it across.
When the first day of first grade arrived and I anticipated a new school year, the butterflies fluttered again — a familiar feeling that continued each August, even through college.
I recently learned that a group of butterflies is called a kaleidoscope, which seems like a fitting moniker for multicolored creatures fluttering through the sky. Their bright colors blend with deeper hues, similar to bittersweet feelings. Joy and excitement sometimes coexist with sadness and nervousness.
I experienced a new kaleidoscope of emotions when my own little boy was old enough to start kindergarten.
He also has a summertime birthday, which meant my husband and I faced the question: Should we send him to kindergarten so soon after he turns 5? Or give him another year?
Considering that our sweet boy is the son of a kindergarten dropout, I made the case for waiting another year. Every educator we talked with agreed: With a summer birthday, you won’t regret waiting until he’s 6.
His extra year of preschool brought more growth than I expected, as well as new friendships.
And when August rolled around last year, I knew without a doubt: Our 6-year-old was ready for kindergarten.
On the first day of school, I felt the familiar flutter of nerves in my stomach as we walked together across the crowded playground. When it was time to say goodbye, he didn’t cry — and I managed to keep my tears at bay until I drove away from the school.
Our kindergartner thrived in his first year and he truly loved it. His amazing teacher, Darci Ostermiller, goes above and beyond to make kindergarten special — filled with a lot of learning and a lot of fun.
Of course, the school year culminated with the Kindergarten Circus.
I have found that when you return to your hometown, life often comes full circle. It’s a truth I’ve seen in sweet ways, as my son became friends with my wonderful kindergarten teacher, Virginia Damori, who helped me navigate my first year of school 35 years ago. In the spring, he invited her to the circus.
Mrs. Damori sat in the front row, smiling at the new generation of kindergartners as they paraded past — wildcats, strong men, elephants, clowns, monkeys, tightrope walkers, ringmasters, ponies and monkeys.
Our little clown was initially hesitant, but eventually, his nervousness subsided and his bright smile shone through.
As his first day of first grade quickly approaches, I have asked him how he feels about it. He is excited, but a little nervous, too.
And that’s OK. After all, the school year often brings a kaleidoscope of emotions.
