Jon went to first grade today at Thurston Elementary School here in Ann Arbor, MI. His dad walked him to school and Mom joined them after dropping off Christian at his pre-school. Jon was a bit shy and not sure with all the new kids, although he knew some of the kids from playing soccer, and some had attended pre-school with him in earlier years. The other students at his table realized Jon was having a bit of trouble adjusting and consoled him, telling him that they were scared last year when they started Kindergarten, but that it would be all right. His friends would join him, and they could play together on the playground. They seemed to have cheered him up so that by the time we went to collect him from school in mid afternoon he was quite happy to have been in school and enjoyed his day.
I was particularly taken by the 'United Nations' nature of the school. There are students attending from more than fifty countries. You can quickly see the impact of the University of Michigan and that it draws students from all over the world, some of whom have children, and are in attendance at Thurston. What a wonderful environment in which to learn! These children come from diverse cultural backgrounds and religions, and, hopefully, they will all learn tolerance.
Christian's pre-school is similar in clientele, and he will be having the same experience. When I think of my schooling, I still think of Peaches Fishburn. I never realized that Peaches was black; she was just Peaches and a wonderful friend, too. Maybe this will happen to these boys. I hope so. Have a wonderful school year, boys.
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