A Good Start to Kindergarten

Kindergarten started on Tuesday. I started the day as if I was on a mission. It was going to be a busy, busy day. Some moms talk about how they tear up after leaving their children at Kindergarten. Not me, I was just too busy. However, the night before, I was a mess.

Back to Tuesday.

I went to school with my son and took tons of pictures. Due to his peanut allergy, his room is being kept peanut-free. The kids left their lunches outside of the room. Here's a picture of my son before class. Notice the lunches behind him and the peanut free sign on the door.


I got him settled in his room a bit and as the other parents continue to watch and snap photos, I snuck out to talk to the nurse. I went and signed in all of my son's meds. There were forms to fill out. I found out that I didn't have (and needed) a prescription labeling on his Epipen and Inhaler. I should have known that- I just didn't think of it. I went back to the room, took a few more pictures, and then told my son I would be back.

I headed home so my husband could get to work. Then, I dropped off my other 2 little one's at a friend's house.

I went back to the kindergarten class. The class had already been on a school tour that included the cafeteria and a good explanation of the peanut free table.

I brought sunbutter to the class. The kids got a chance to taste sunbutter on Ritz crackers. Many of the kids tried it and most all of the kids that did said they liked it.

I read the class the book Allie the Allergic Elephant and the teacher explained to the class the room would be peanut free. Here's a picture of me reading to the class.


At lunch, my son sat at the newly established peanut free table. The aides worked hard to make sure that no one sat there with peanut butter. There was one sweet boy that was excited to sit at the table and seemingly devasted (he seemed like he might cry) because he had to move because his dessert was a Reese's peanut butter cup. There were other kids at the table (much to this mom's relief) and my son hit it off with another little boy with a beautifully nut-free home-packed lunch. Here's a picture of my son at lunch.


The only thing my son mentioned that was hard on my heart a bit was that all of the other kids 'had to wash their hands (after lunch) so that they wouldn't touch me'.

Even though that was hard to hear, I don't think he was all that bothered.
He had a wonderful day at kindergarten. He is excited about school. His claims his favorite part is recess. He was thrilled to see his big brother on the playground. More than anything, he looks forward to learning to read.

Here he is on his way out of school.


The "Tuesday Folder" that my son is carrying contained another copy of the letter to the school about a new student with a peanut allergy. (It originally went out in the registration packets.) In her letter to the parents, the teacher wrote about my son's allergy. She also included the safe classroom snack list that I provided to her and mentioned that she had a list for classroom parties, as well.

We had a good start to Kindergarten. My son is very excited. I am thankful for the support I have.