After a busy summer, the start of the school year arrived quickly with lots of changes for us to add to the already stressful time of year. We'd have four kids in new schools this year with new friends, new schedules, and new adjustments for all of us.
Owen started his Junior year of high school at the end of August. After some challenges last year, he shocked us all with a decision to transfer to Groves Academy. We were quite apprehensive about the change, but also excited for this new opportunity for him. Groves is a good 30 minute drive from our home with no traffic (and 45-60 minutes on a typical traffic-filled day). With no busing option, the transportation piece has been a bit of a challenge, but we've adjusted our schedules as needed. It's a huge adjustment switching schools, but he is looking forward to a fresh start.
Cole is our only returning student. He headed back to Chippewa Middle School as an 8th grader at the beginning of September. This will be his last year of middle school with some big changes in store for him next year. He's now a big man on campus and can easily navigate the school on his own. He is very comfortable with the building and the teachers that he has gotten to know over the last couple years and is looking forward to another great year of learning.
Rose and Kate transferred schools this year. They are both attending St. Odilia Catholic School. Rose is now a 4th grader and Kate is a 1st grader. Kate was switching school buildings regardless as she had been at a Kindergarten Center and was now moving onto 1st grade which made the transition fairly easy for her. Rose, however, was quite apprehensive about switching schools as she had a good group of friends at her old school that she was going to miss. Along with the new school, came a new dress code. Uniforms would now be required to be worn daily. The other significant change would be daily homework, something no longer required in our current public school district. There are definitely some big changes in the year ahead for these two lovely ladies.
Going down the line, Aria will be waiting one more year before starting school. With her eating challenges, seizures, and difficulty leaving my side, she will start her home school journey next year. It'll be a learning curve for both of us, but for now, we will continue to focus on therapy and life skills.
Sam is attending preschool at Snail Lake Education Center. It's just a few miles away, and we've opted to transport him rather than use busing. It was a difficult decision to send him. His start date had been pushed back a week as the school didn't have appropriate seating for him. I almost changed my mind last minute, but instead decided to give it a week. His first day was rough and we both were in tears. Thankfully all the days since then he has been happy at pickup and happy to go back the next day. He attends school in the afternoon two days a week which has worked well with his intense therapy schedule. When I ask him if he likes school and his teachers, he always answers with a resounding "YES!"
Here's hoping the 2024-2025 school year is a joyful and rewarding experience for all.
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