After a year and a half of being in a world wide pandemic, where the kids only did the last 6 weeks of the school year in person, we were very much looking forward to in-person learn resuming. However, the start of this school year meant new schools for both Havana and Amara. It was going to be a huge transition, having been at MFS for their entire school life. It was a big step, returning to school and being in a new place. Havana however, having had a first row seat to what Amara (and her peers) experienced in the middle school, was very much ready for a different experience. So it was with excitement and a bunch of nerves, that Havana started Middle School in one of our local public schools.
Initially, I thought the public Middle School would be the best option. I liked the classes, extra curriculars and larger social pool. But after talking with Havana and taking in who she is now, I realized that such a larger school, with crowds of loud kids and a huge campus, might not be in her best interest. We did try to get her into some independent schools but the Universe had other plans. There was one option that could have worked. There was Stewart School, a K-8 school that had the middle schooler's in a wing of their own. The size was much smaller, meaning a quieter, less stimulating environment and a campus that would be far easier to navigate. There was a catch however. This small school was very coveted and the chance of a transfer was slim. I explained that to Havana and then I reminded her of the power to manifest what she wanted for school. We talked about seeing herself in the school, walking around and I even drove by the school so she could see it. When we did that, she stated that she knew that would be the school for her. I told her to work her magic but to understand there was still a good chance it would not work out.
We waited weeks and months for the transfer notice. Then on June 30th-Havana's 12th birthday, a full month after we were told we should have had our notice, we got a letter in the mail. I was praying it would be a happy birthday present. Havana opened the letter and there it was, Transfer Accepted. Happy Birthday Magic, for sure. Havana was visibly relieved. So was I. With under 40 kids and 3 teachers in her grade, this would help the transition to public school go much smoother.
It turned out our neighbor (and another former MFS kid), was at Stewart for years. His mom and I are friends so I got a lot of information and as time got nearer, we decided to carpool together. I have been over the moon to do morning drop offs. The six minute commute is a breeze and I get to take Havana to school. For the girls entire school life, I have only been able to drive on Fridays (my day off). I love the mom job of school transportation. Because of the still in place Covid restrictions, I can't go on campus. I have no idea what things look like beyond the cafeteria, office and library (our GS troop used this site for a year) so dropping off helps me feel a wee bit more connected to Havana's school.
The first day I was more a bundle of nerves than Havana was. How would she do? Would she be okay switching classrooms? Would the kids be nice? Would she sit by herself at lunch? Would she be okay? I know, I know; millions upon millions of kids do this. But we were in a sweet, safe and small elementary school for years. This was a big leap. My concerns were relieved when at pick up (where the entire family went to greet here because I was not the only one who was worried how it went!), Havana came through the gate happy and looking like she'd always been there. On that first day, she connected with a small group of peers, ate lunch with them and decided she really liked her main teacher. It was a collective sigh of relief. And as school as progressed in Fall, Havana has been thriving in her classes, coming into her own sense of school dress, making friends and even enjoying PE. The only downside is that she won't eat the free school lunches. I was so hoping to not have to make lunch anymore!! There are the pre-teen moods I am not too fond of either but those don't cross over into school. Havana had a great Montessori foundation and I am sure that is what helped her to make this move. Naturally bright, she loves the school work and she enjoys her larger social pool. It's not too big but big enough. Havana is not sure what will happen after Middle School but for now, fingers crossed, things will continue to go well in her new school.
