My Last Elementary School Open House

Tonight was my very last Open House at Tenth Street Elementary. My older two daughters are already down at the Jr/Sr High School. My youngest is in 6th grade, which means our time at 10th Street is winding down.

It was a bit surreal this evening, to walk around the school while surrounded by families I had never seen before. Once upon a time, I felt like I knew everyone at that school. Because I had children in three different grades, I had managed to meet a lot of families. Now that I am down to just a sixth grader, I am surrounded by new families and younger kids who I have no reason to have met.

As I walked around the school, I was enjoying a little people watching. The parents seemed so eager to see what their children were doing. The kids were shining in their element. "Look, Mommy!" "See what I made???" "This is my locker!" So much enthusiasm and joy in one place, and I got to watch quietly.

My little one (ok, not so little one) was busy running the Back Sale, so I got to walk around solo. I checke into her home room. She is super-lucky to have the same teacher, Mr. Rowe, for the second year. After that, I stopped in to see her other two teachers. It was fun to see them and catch up, as my other two daughters had also had them.

I also stopped in to see some familiar faces in other grade levels and departments. Knowing this is my last go-round was actually a lot of fun. I had no pressure to see everything or meet anyone new. I also got to see a lot of old friends. It's amazing how many people that went to high school with me at Riverview who have chosen to raise their families in Oakmont.

My final stop was at the bake sale. I bought a few treats (cake pops!) for Soph and then headed out. As I stepped out into the rainy evening, I felt such a sense of joy. I am not melancholy about leaving the elementary school. I am full of happiness and excitement for what lies ahead!