4th Grade, Oh My.

Or: Oh Shit.

Really? Tomorrow?

Elias starts 4th grade in the morning.

I'm not sure who's more anxious him or I.

His beloved Aide and Respite Provider, Ms. Julia, retired from the school district. She's been by his side since 1st grade. And sure, the educator and counselor in me knows it will be good for him to work with someone new, he can't go through his whole educational career only doing work because he loves the person coaxing him to do it.

But oh my heart.

He moves from the primary hallway to the "BIG kid hallway". This is a significant change in his routine--even if it's really all just one long hallway. We are a little school in an old building. He can't get lost. But still, the intermediate wing? With the big ole 6th graders?!

My Elias.

His teacher is new to our school, new to me, new to Elias, and his first male teacher. More changes.

And then there are things like, you know, that he poops in his pants, I mean pull-ups, but really, oh shit.

In 4th grade.

And here, as always, it is the other kids I worry about, not Elias.

Will his able-bodied peers tolerate his physical challenges and cognitive diversity?

Will they accept the boy I love?

In the morning, we walk to school, he might reach for my hand, I might reach for his...

...but off we go.

Comments

[Kristen H]

Wow, 4th grade!!! I hope Elias (and you) had a great first day. I'm sorry to hear about Ms. Julia's retirement; I hope all the transitions go smoothly!

[Kate]

That is a lot of transitions for anyone! Hope it all goes smoothly and that the new aide, teacher and kids exceed your expectations. Thinking of you both tomorrow.

[Kate J]

By now you've made it thru the 1st day - hope it was better than you could've imagined ! I am anticipating/fearing similar stuff next week. Our daughter has been recovering from major orthopedic surgery this summer, and also going into 4th grade, upstairs hallway in a new school. Trying hard not to transfer any of my anxiety to her.