This past week was Roll's first day of school. We were so excited. Having been a Kindergarten teacher, I often saw parents cry on their child's first day of school and thought it a bit silly. Now that my own child has begun, I have to admit that I too was a bit teary eyed. My whole being was filled with love for Roll and I was so proud of him.

The day began with preparation and making sure that everything was ready. When we arrived at school the children all met with parents entow in the classroom. There are 30 children in Roll's class, only 6 are girls.....24 boys!!!!

You can imagine the noise created by so many children and parents. To gain the attention of all the teacher stood at her desk with a rain stick and turned it over. By the time it had settled, the room was completely quiet. I was certainly impressed and will try this in my own classroom.

After a brief introduction, the teacher dismissed parents of non-bussers to begin filling out paperwork. The rest of waited to receive bus passes and sign forms. Then we too were sent out of the classroom to complete paperwork. The children remained in the classroom to empty their school supplies. Then they were all lined up with their "Schule Tuete" and headed out to the main autitorium.

Here the children sat at the front on benches and the adults behind or on the sides. The mayor, head of the police department, and many other important community leaders were present. Opening the ceremonies were children playing on zylophones. Next the officials began a LONG series of speeches regarding the safety of our children in which the children did not find the least bit interesting. Instead the children poked, prodded, and played with each other. The occasional yell for a mom was heard among the crowd. The new teachers were busy trying to quiet children as the parents weren't intervening. Roll kept quiet the entire time but he was squirmy. They continued with a skit and song about bicycle safety.

After the ceremony we all headed back to class where we were promptly dimissed. The children gathered their bags and we left. The local paper was present for photos and interviews. Roll's Grandpa was with us from the U.S. He was wearing his Bavarian clothes and was interviewed by the reporter along with a photo of him and Roll standing together.

Altogether the day was really nice and I was glad to be a part of it. I felt that there were some parts that I learned from and hope to implement in my own first day of school celebration.