Brooklynn's first day of 2nd grade

Brooklynn started school on Tuesday, August 16th.  Although she is attending the same elementary, Amy Beverland, there were several changes this year.  The change that has effected the entire school district was they flip-flopped the elementary and secondary school start and end time.  So school now starts at 7:50am and is over at 2:35pm.  Instead of riding the bus to school Heath now takes her and drops her off at the school sidewalk that is located on the way out of our sub-division.  This allows her (and us) to sleep an extra 40 minutes in the morning.  But she still has her bus time on the way home so it works well for everyone. 

Brooklynn on walkway after being dropped off for school

Another change this year is that Brooklynn is now part of STRETCH, the gifted program, in Lawrence Schools.  Her class has 40 students with 2 teachers.  After her first week and a half of school she has been placed with Mrs. Marshall along with other 2nd graders and 3rd graders.  I guess as time goes on if they need to slide students up and down then they have that option.  I asked her if her work was any harder this year and she said no however we have spent more time on homework as it is much more challenging.  Not sure yet if it is because she has some catching up to do versus the students who were already in STRETCH last year or if this is how it needs to be in order to challenge her.  I'm guessing a little of both.  Although she is together with 1st - 3rd graders in the classroom the whole class eats and goes to recess with the 2nd graders.  So she is still able to see and play with her friends and classmates.  However next year the class will again eat with the 2nd graders so it will be an even bigger change then when she will be pulled completely away from her graduating class. 

Her traditional snapshot of breakfast on the first day - bacon and waffles!

Another traditional shot of daddy and daughter on first day of school

I have to say that aside from some homework meltdowns the transition to school from summer has gone better than I anticipated.  My days with only Braxton tend to be easier and quieter (because there is no fighting).  Heath has been home more as his schedule is lighter so we have had good family time and a more laid back atmosphere.  I only pray that it continues on the same path!