and me today...we are chatting all things Back To School and End of Summer...See the questions above!
1. Do We Have Kids Going Back to School? What Does It Look Like?
Well, as always, where we live is complicated- our town is difficult- nothing is ever cut and dry and everything is a fight. I see it first hand now since my husband is on our school board and right now is pure torture. Anyway, we have two different scenarios in our home this Fall.
Eva is going into 1st Grade and she is able to attend all 5 days. Diana is going into 7th Grade and she has to follow a hybrid model. This is very frustrating especially when all of her friends in surrounding towns are going five days/week. The reason being is that so many people wanted their kids in five days/week and we just don't have the room to do the proper social distancing. Blah blah blah....
I am sorry if I sound negative but if my husband would let me move to the next town over, I would in a heartbeat!! Anyway, we will make it work and this is what it will look like for us
2. Do we have any Back To School Traditions?
Yes we have a few. First things first, we shop for new clothes and school supplies. On the first day of school, we have our tradition of pictures where we write on a chalk board the grades the girls are going into and I always make a special dinner. This year, I have a PTA meeting that night too (unfortunately it is on Zoom)
3. Did I have any Back To School Traditions growing up?
Yes about the same ones I am sharing with my girls now..that is where it all came from!
4. New lunchbox? Backpack? Both?
Both...although Diana is in middle school and we can't call it a lunch box anymore...it is a lunch bag/satchel ;)
5. Any special Back to School meals?
This year I am making spaghetti with oil and garlic- an old Italian tradition and one of my girls' favorite dishes!
6. What Are the Back To School Outfits?
Diana will be wearing a romper and her Birkenstock sandals and Eva will be wearing a copy of last year's outfit (her request)- White Tee, Gray Tulle Skirt with Polka Dots, Denim Vest and Sparkly Silver Shoes with a big bow in the hair!
7. Especially this year, how will you stay organized and get into a routine?
In "normal years" it takes me a good two weeks to get into the new school/dance/activities routine while balancing a full time career. Bottom line, I am exhausted every night! This year, I am expecting that it will take us a little longer. The first two weeks, for both girls, will be hybrid. After that, when Eva goes back full time, I expect that we will take another two weeks to get settled. Our family calendar is key and like I have mentioned before, meal planning helps to eliminate some stress anyway.
8. Do I have any End of Summer plans?
Lea and I are going away for my birthday- I am so excited to have one on one time with her and to be able to distract her for awhile from some sadness in her family....and as far as the kids are concerned, just swimming as much as possible!
9. What are we looking forward to this school year?
The Spring! No joke...we are hoping and praying for a vaccine and a return to more normal activities. For Diana, that will mean her usual three shows in the spring and getting back to live theater!
10. Do we give teacher gifts?
We usually do on the holidays, not the beginning of school
That was fun. Wishing you all a healthy and successful school year in your parts of the world!