Today was the first day back to school for many Aptos students. For some – like my son Aiden – it was their first day of school ever. Sure, most of the kindergartners (Aiden included) had been to preschool…but today was their first “real” day of school. For me, it was the first day that I’d sent any kid to school – it was a milestone for both of us.
As with many milestones I suppose, this one is bittersweet…for me, anyway. I can’t believe that almost five and a half years have gone by since Aiden was born in dramatic fashion at Sutter Maternity Center. He and I have done so much living since then – him more than me, I think, but watching him grow has enriched my life immeasurably. As much as I’ve cherished his early years, time marches on. We can’t go backward, or stand still: our only option is to move on, and savor every moment.
My parents came down from their home in Berkeley to see their grandson off. We all walked from our house, just a couple of blocks away, over to Mar Vista Elementary. As it happens, my parents had also dropped their first child off at Mar Vista Elementary some 42 years ago, when the school was practically brand new. My dad commented that it looked pretty much the same as it did back then…although I imagine the paint wasn’t so badly flaking in the early 70’s like it is today.
Some three and a half hours after we dropped him off, school was over. My son reported that it was “awesome” but yet, also “boring.” It seems that they didn’t let him play like they did in preschool. He said they spent a lot of time reading books and working with “pattern blocks” – whatever those are. He says he’s looking forward to going back tomorrow, though – so that’s a good thing!
One of the hallmarks of Mar Vista – and all Aptos schools, I’m told – is that parents are really involved with the school. I want to do my part, too, which is why I myself am a member of the Mar Vista Parent’s Club – our version of the PTA. I’m really looking forward to helping to make our children’s Aptos school experience be the best it can be.
