Cool for School: Kids, Parents and Teachers Are Prepared

Judging by the kids, no one would have guessed that schools are going through tough times with budget cuts. Moms, dads and students gathered at various Wauwatosa schools on Monday and Tuesday to collect paperwork and fill out forms, meet teachers and reconnect friendships that had been put on pause for the summer.

A mom comforted her fourth-grader about being nervous as they entered Washington Elementary School. A second-grader, not yet knowing the old standby, “The dog ate my homework” excuse, asked his mom how they would explain to the teacher that their dog did in fact eat the box of tissue they were to bring to school as part of the prescribed list of supplies. 

It seems that generation after generation, kids start the school year with a mix of anticipation, consternation and delight. Washington Elementary School Principal Anthony Bond greeted parents and students – shaking hands with the grown-ups and giving out hugs to the students, who eagerly hugged back.

“I like the principal. He’s very nice – but I also get to choose my own lunch. I like that, too,” said third-grader Alex Bowling.

First-grader Nicholas Clementi was excited about the class pet. “His name is Grandpa Lyle,” he said. “I don’t know what he is, but I know his name.”

Kids freely ran up and down the halls without the authoritarian restraint of “no running,” anxious to see who would be their teachers and their classmates and where they would sit.

Brian Quirk, in 5K, played with instruments in the music room at Washington Elementary as Suzanne Graber, who has taught music for 11 years, showed him instruments from around the world.

“The kids will have music class three times a week,” she said. Little Brian seemed pleased to hear it.

Older siblings talked in code to the younger, giving them the inside scoop on the grade they’ve already experienced: “She’s a good teacher.” ... “If you sit here, you can look out the window.” 

At Wilson Elementary, fourth-grader Jacob Burgardt stuck close to sister Abby while she explored her first-grade classroom. When asked if she thought she'd like it, Abby quietly gave Jacob a thumbs up.

Fourth-grader Katie Randall waited patiently with a book in the second-grade classroom, while teacher Mandy Fox talked with Katie’s brother, Carter, and mom, Deb. “Every year I look forward to getting to know all my kids,” Fox said.

For parents talking with teachers about academic expectations, it was all business. Once school starts, it will be business as usual too for the students. But for the time being – lockers stood assigned and ready, supplies were lined up and the library was quiet and orderly. The school year begins on Thursday.