Hard to believe, but it's almost time for us to register Tyler for kindergarten.
I have no idea where the past five years have gone.
And, I have no idea about where to register our sweet son for his leap into school hood.
When Jon and I enrolled Tyler at his daycare, our provider was within the boundary of the same school; SFE. Unfortunately, last year, St. Francis re-drew school bounds (there are three elementary buildings in our district) and we are no longer in the same area. Her neighborhood is now bused to EBCS, while our neighborhood remains at SFE.
Option 1: We could use daycare for the busing address, and keep him in ISD 15. However, that would mean that he would be in afternoon kindergarten (which is not my preference), and he wouldn't go to school with anyone from our neighborhood. Actually, most of his classmates would be from another town about 10 minutes away.
Option 2: We could use our address, and enroll Tyler in all day, everyday kindergarten. This would be $29 cheaper than paying for daycare; however, I would have to ask (and pay) a neighbor to get him on the bus each morning because I (hopefully - FT job pending) would have to leave about 60 minutes before he would board the bus. This also involves too much dependency on others.
Option 3: We could enroll him at my school (yet again, FT job pending) in the all day, everyday kindergarten. This would be $21 cheaper than daycare, but I worry about things like in service days, where I would have to find and pay for childcare. Also, meetings for me before and after school, although rare, are a concern because I would be Tyler's transportation. I think that he would be fine in my classroom, but it still makes me unsure. And, I teach in an after school program, so it would take some creative scheduling on those days to arrange transportation home for Ty. The great thing, though, is that I would have 15 minutes, each way, of quiet time to connect to my son. Although the 15 minute drive isn't ideal for his school friendships that would form - yet again, he wouldn't be with kids from our neighborhood.
Agh!! This is tough!
Friends, help us out. What are your thoughts? Jon and I have calculated numbers (which at this point are pretty much a wash), considered schedules, weighed the pros and cons, and we are still not solid with a decision.
4 comments:
#1 Do you want him to go all day? Or do you prefer half day?
#2 My thoughts based on what you've laid out would be (job depending) having him at YOUR school so that you don't have to depend on a neighbor or anything or have any of those sorts of issues. I am always open to helping out if/when you need on an inservice day, please know that. I mean it!
#3 I am with you, where did the last 5 years go???
Samara,
Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, Jon and I feel strongly that Tyler would be best in all-day kindergarten. He needs some more stimulation and challenge (he's "bored" in pre-school). We just worry about not having classmates in the neighborhood. Hopefully the pros outweigh the cons because we are leaning towards my school. :-)
What time does or would he have school? I am putting Wyatt in preschool next year and my schedule wont start until after 10am. I am always home otherwise! I am willing to help out in any way I can. I dont have much of a life outside the boys! I cant apply for the nrsg program till next January and then it would start the following august so I am willing and able to help out for next year!
All day kindergarten is what I want for my boys too! Dont worry you will make the best decision for your kids!!! If ya need me holler!!!
I definitely wouldn't worry about the friends in the neighborhood issue. He will have plenty of friends no matter where he is. I would concentrate on "motherly instinct"-you and only you know what's best for your child. Carley is enrolled in a private school and I too was a little concerned at first about the neighborhood friend thing, since her school is about 7 miles from our home. I am happy with my decision, even though our neighbors across the street go to a different school-and Carley has been fine with this too. All of her local friends attend a different school and are even on a different schedule. Sometimes it's better to broaden your horizon! I went with what I knew in my heart was the best for my beautiful child, which is what you will do too.
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