School

So, the kids both started school this week. We've survived the first two days, and Tyler's first day on public transportation. Grade 6 is still in Elementary school here, so they still ride a regular school bus. But starting in grade 7 they ride public transportation, and they have to change buses at a major bus exchange station. Then they get 45 min of open campus lunch. I said first their going to teach them how to ride the bus and then they are going to let them leave at lunch. Do they actually expect them to return after lunch!?!?!? They could be half-way across the city! I just can't believe all of the responsibility, all of the sudden.

Tyler just called to let me know he made it to school. Looks like the bus he took today will get him there too late. We'll go back to the bus he took yesterday. And yes, I had to get him a cell phone for school. I just had to be able to find him if he didn't make it home from school on time. And, don't tell him, but it has one of those GPS locators in it. Not that I know how to use it yet, but I can use it if I need to use it.

Tyler is taking French (the only foreign language offered) and a 3 part class for his electives. The 3 part class includes 1/3 of the year in a sewing class. Yesterday I paid for the materials for a pair of boxer shorts and a stuffed hockey stick and puck. The other two parts are cooking and shop. Its a very interesting class that I think will be really good for him. Too bad we don't have anything like that back home. He hasn't met all of his teachers yet, but he hasn't complained about any so far.

And look at how Canadian I am becoming...I said Grade 6 and Grade 7. They don't say 6th grade or 7th grade here, always grade whatever. And I always get a funny look when I say it the other way. Looks like I'm learning. Oh, and Grant is in 3rd grade this year. He will have provincial exams this year. Kinda like TAKS, except they don't talk about it all year, and they don't have special exam homework every night. Crazy, huh? Of course passing is only 50% too.

Grant has the same teacher he had at the beginning of the year last year, so he's already familiar with everything, and he knows all of the students but one. Having only one class per grade level keeps everyone together every year.

So we are finally back on a schedule, and I'm trying to get Mason in something to. You have to sign up for story time at the Library by age, so I'm trying to get him into that. If that doesn't work then I'm going to start him in a Gymboree class, but the Library is free.