I am one of the few crazy people who signed up at two parent participation
schools. Both kids in both schools. Yes, I know. CRAZY. Let me
explain.
My kids (and I) were in the Together Time program at Explorer Preschool and one of the added bonuses (which I didn't initially realize) is that we had priority placement in the 2's class. Yippee! At the same time, I felt responsible for checking out other programs and schools in the area and had always heard rave reviews for the Los Gatos Saratoga Observation Nursery School (aka the Mountain School) so we attended the family open house and submitted an application.
This is where I should insert my rant: it truly annoyed me to be making pre-school decisions for my children when they were ~20 months old. Both Explorer and Mountain School are difficult to get in to for the 3's class (I was told 'virtually impossible' at Mountain School) so I felt like wherever we ended up for our 2's class would most likely be where the kids would be going to pre-school for the next 3 years. I abhor the rat race mentality and here I was, embarking down a road that felt very, very rat-race-ish. Mostly, I felt like I had so much more to learn about each of my children's very different personalities and learning styles and it was difficult to make a decision for them. What kind of environment would they best thrive in?
Long story short, we were accepted to Explorer, which was no surprise. Mountain School told us we were at the bottom of the wait list (it's a lottery system for non-legacy families). Great! No gut-wrenching decision to make! Woohoo! We love it and we're familiar with Explorer. It will be great. Would I take the Class Rep role for my 2's class at Explorer? Sure! Why not? We're in!
Then, in July, LGSONS called to say that there were two spots for us in the Saturday class if we wanted them. Really? Oh no. I thought I had gotten out of having to make a choice between the two schools. After some discussion though, my husband and I decided it would be a great opportunity for HIM to join the kids for some great pre-school experiences (and for me to have time for a pedicure or two) and that if we attended both schools, we'd have the opportunity to compare them side-by-side and have our choice in schools next year. It's only one day at each school per week after all.
Grand plan, right? I hope so. I've been anxious about the amount of time I'll be spending at meetings for each school. Not to mention the time (and money) spent on fund raising for each school. So I've spent the summer wondering if I'm making the wrong decision. If it will be worth it?
So far so good. Last Friday, the kids and I had a Meet the Teacher day at Explorer and it took me at least 30 minutes to get them to leave the school. We were slated for 15-20 minutes there, with some time overlapping with other families and my kids were just having too much fun. I've never had such a hard time getting them to leave a place. GREAT sign.
And this past Saturday was our first day of class at the Mountain School. The kids had a BLAST. There was some initial hesitation in picking out their name tags, but as soon as I carried my sometimes-a-spider-monkey son into the classroom, he wanted down and yelled, "Animals!" "Truck!" "CHOO CHOO TRAIN!!!!!" in progressively more excited tones as his eyes scanned the room. He played with the train for at least a half an hour. My daughter did the same, except the animal figurines was her Achilles Heel. Sucked right in to play immediately. Then puzzles, sensory play outside, and PAINT! They both painted the entire lengths of their arms purple and they were so happy. I loved it (even though there is always a small voice inside of me screaming). Cooking time (snack time) was beyond adorable with all the kids and their teachers sitting around a large table...kids trying to pour themselves water, parents at-the-ready with absorbent kitchen towels. After wards, it was down to the garden where Z. ate at least 30 cherry tomatoes, if not more, and A. played in water (aka mud). Circle time sitting on tree stumps under the oak trees was so peaceful and divine and perfect.
Yes, we had made the right decision. I think we're going to love our time at both schools, which makes the time commitments worth it. Call me crazy.
Original post to Mad About Multiples. Crazy Amy M. is the 2009/10 co-President of Gemini Crickets Parents of Multiples of Silicon Valley and mom to boy/girl twins. She is one busy mom!
