School!

On Monday, Steve, Lanhua and I walked across the street to our local elementary school to turn-in Lanhua’s registration paperwork in and to show her around a bit. During our visit, we met the school’s principal who, after meeting Lanhua, convinced us that we should start her in school as soon as possible. So, her first day was this past Wednesday. Rather than recounting Steve’s description of her first morning (I was unable to be there – long work-related story), I’ve cut-and-pasted the email that Steve sent below. She’s now attended 2 days of school and really seems to like it. We assume that the structure, as well as the interaction with other kids, are something she’s sorely missed over the past 4-6 weeks.

From Steve:

“Just a quick report from dropping Lanhua off at school. She seemed to be fairly looking forward to it; spent some time getting her lunch ready to her exacting specifications, and she was ready to go by 8:15. We walked over around 8:30 and as we got closer, she began to show a little apprehension, which is normal. Joyce walked us over to her classroom to meet her teacher, Ms. Robertson, and see her class. Ms. Robertson was very nice; young (or at least, younger), quick to smile, etc. I think we may have lucked out. Furthermore, she was prepared - she had asked her students yesterday if anyone spoke Mandarin or Cantonese. One little girl said she spoke a little Mandarin and another little girl actually speaks some Cantonese! So Ms. Robertson moved them so Lanhua would be sitting right between them. I met the little girls (who were too shy to speak to Lanbua while I was there, but I have no doubt that that reticence won't last), and they are awfully sweet. Anyway, this is fairly awesome news, and even if they speak only a little of Lanhua's native language(s), it will be a huge thing, I think.

She was too overwhelmed to participate in the pre-school, morning, walk-around; from 8:30-9:00 the kids all walk around the schoolyard while music plays, then at 9 the bell rings, and they line up at a number corresponding to their classroom where the teacher is waiting for them. They do the pledge and the school pledge and the principal makes any announcements, then they head to school. She was definitely too nervous/overwhelmed to participate in the walk-around (even with me along); she preferred to hang by her classroom and just watch, which was perfectly fine. At one point, I saw her lips pursing and her chin quiver just a bit, and I thought her emotions were going to get the best of her, but she is one tough little girl and held it in. I was a little nervous that she wouldn't want to go into the classroom after the bell rang, but she did, and took her seat, fully aware that everyone was checking her out. Man, I can't imagine how tough this is - even if you speak English, starting in a new school is tough. Everyone is staring, etc. Although, I have to say, kids are kids, and as we watching the walk-around, at least a half-dozen kids waved to her as they walked by.

Anyway, I tried to make it clear that we would be there when school ends, but I'm sure she didn't get it. Once she sees us, though, she'll understand. I told Ms. Robertson to call if Lanhua appears just too overwhelmed, but she seemed confident that wouldn't be necessary; the class was doing a lot of art today, so she thinks Lanhua will be fine. I really think she's lucked out getting into this class.

So our brave, little girl has started school!”