Kindergarten Kamp-out

I teetered and I tottered over Son1's Kindergarten placement. Our local elementary school has an amazing Dual Language Immersion program. Son1 is motivated to speak Spanish, particularly since he hears me speak it often. I don't think he ever believed Hubs that Mommy speaks Spanish like the Dora and Diego characters. And now that he hears me speak Spanish in California, Son1 is a wee bit envious.

The number one reason I was hesitant to place him in the program was the fear of teaching my own child English language arts. Which is actually ridiculous. And then my friend Katy commented on my last post. Katy, whom I haven't seen since I moved from Virginia. Katy, who is a non-native Spanish speaker and holds a Spanish degree and is a freak about correct English grammar. Katy, whom I taught with in Fairfax County Public Schools...yes, that school district. Katy, who reminded me that back in the day people actually thought I was a good teacher. Katy, who next to never comments on my posts. But I am really glad you did, Katy. I was down to the wire on time. You tipped the scales on my thoughts, and launched me into really thinking about bilingual education and not my fears about teaching English. Hubs and I had prayed for a few nights that we would have clarity on Kindergarten placement. Suddenly, I felt I was getting there.

So Hubs and I agreed that the Dual Language Immersion program was the right choice for our family, and for Son1's Kindergarten placement. But our choice meant one thing: a Kindergarten Kamp-out. (Yes, I know that is spelled wrong, I was the sixth grade spelling champ you know, but I was trying some alliteration.)

Registration started at 8am, but I arrived at the school at 4:30am, hoping for one of 40 Dual Language Immersion Kindergarten slots. I packed a bag of snacks, my camping chair, a blanket, and my registration packet. And when I arrived, I was number 30 in line. Number one arrived the night before at 8pm, and spent the night on the sidewalk. It was freezing, and the auditorium was not opened until 7am. And when I say freezing, it is all relative. But hello, I just moved from Hawaii. And high 40s and low 50s felt arctic. We looked like a freak show on the sidewalk. The local news channel even sent a camera crew for a story to prove it. But here is my own proof.
So Kindergarten, here we come!