I remember my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. She was wearing a blue checked jumper with little white daisies embroidered on it. I chose that dress because daisies are significant to her: They are the first “solid food” she ate. (Long story short: chubby six month old baby holding daisy + parent busy shooting her photo + flower suddenly in mouth = one bare stem.) Anyway, she got on the bus wearing that sweet little dress, waved good-bye, and never looked back. Broke. My. Heart.
As I was shaping the editorial for this issue, I had to do a lot of thinking about education, and what that means to my readers. Many of you have just put your kids on the school bus for the first time; some are trying to figure out whether preschool would be beneficial for a son or daughter; others are trying to ensure that the school year is clear sailing and devoid of unwelcome stress such as bullying.
We have high hopes that our kids will fit in, that they will understand the lessons, and won’t get all wigged out when it comes time to dissect frogs or have to wear a swimsuit for phys ed. We hope that kids won’t miss the bus; that they get cast in the school play; and that when it comes time for the big solo in the 4th grade winter holiday concert, they hit all the right notes.
All of this is normal parental musing and worry, our hopes and dreams for our children. And all of it begins with choosing the right educational experience for them. Feeling the pressure much? One way to alleviate subsequent stress is to attend the annual Minnesota Parent Education Fair at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on October 15. It’s a really cool event this magazine organizes as a way to help you formulate opinions and make informed decisions. Lots of educators set up booths, bring hand outs, and stay the day to talk about their establishments. Be sure to circle the date on your calendar.
That first day of kindergarten was just one of many days my daughter broke my heart throughout her K–12 education. She closed up that kindergarten year singing “You Are My Sunshine” in the talent show. I missed the performance, and when I heard she’d gotten a standing ovation at the end, well … it starts with Broke.
