This morning was Langley Elementary School’s first open house for prospective students of the 2018-2019 school year. I served as a parent volunteer, on hand to welcome visitors and answer questions from my family’s perspective.
More than 30 parents showed up to learn more about Langley and I looked around the room, excited about the possibility of these men and women joining our community. Two women bopped and swayed in the back of the room with their babies strapped snuggly into front carriers and it took me back to the winter I wore my son all over town as I attended one open house after another, facing my daughter’s first year of preschool.
I was resentful that I had to wrap my brain around yet another completely foreign world (alas, what is parenthood but that process repeated infinitely). I had just conquered potty training, no small feat. I was only a few short months into the monumental adjustment of going from being a one-child family to a two-child family. Again, kind of a big deal. I was a new resident in Washington and was totally blindsided by the whole concept of universal preschool.
More than 30 parents showed up to learn more about Langley and I looked around the room, excited about the possibility of these men and women joining our community. Two women bopped and swayed in the back of the room with their babies strapped snuggly into front carriers and it took me back to the winter I wore my son all over town as I attended one open house after another, facing my daughter’s first year of preschool.
I was resentful that I had to wrap my brain around yet another completely foreign world (alas, what is parenthood but that process repeated infinitely). I had just conquered potty training, no small feat. I was only a few short months into the monumental adjustment of going from being a one-child family to a two-child family. Again, kind of a big deal. I was a new resident in Washington and was totally blindsided by the whole concept of universal preschool.
Quickly following resentment was bliss as I realized my daughter would receive a high-quality pre-Kindergarten education. All day, everyday. FOR FREE. There must be a catch.
I began suspiciously touring schools, snooping online, gossiping with other parents about test scores and teacher retention rates. Still, I had no idea what questions to ask, so I did what any good mom does: I asked my mom. She had great advice. “You know wherever you send her, she will be fine. She’ll be safe, she’ll learn, she’ll make friends. Just visit the schools and go with your gut. You will know what feels right.”
The parents I met today asked great questions; clearly, they were more prepared than I had been! We have a responsibility to make informed decisions about our children’s education – even if it sneaks up on us here in the District. But ultimately, I’d echo my mother’s advice: visit the schools on your list and go with your gut. Can you picture your child walking through the halls, laughing with the kids you see during the tour? Can you picture yourself working with the administrators and parents you meet to foster the learning community you desire? Your intuition will guide you to the right decision for your family.
Langley's next open house dates:
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 13, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 10, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
By Dawn Madura
I began suspiciously touring schools, snooping online, gossiping with other parents about test scores and teacher retention rates. Still, I had no idea what questions to ask, so I did what any good mom does: I asked my mom. She had great advice. “You know wherever you send her, she will be fine. She’ll be safe, she’ll learn, she’ll make friends. Just visit the schools and go with your gut. You will know what feels right.”
The parents I met today asked great questions; clearly, they were more prepared than I had been! We have a responsibility to make informed decisions about our children’s education – even if it sneaks up on us here in the District. But ultimately, I’d echo my mother’s advice: visit the schools on your list and go with your gut. Can you picture your child walking through the halls, laughing with the kids you see during the tour? Can you picture yourself working with the administrators and parents you meet to foster the learning community you desire? Your intuition will guide you to the right decision for your family.
Langley's next open house dates:
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 13, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 10, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
By Dawn Madura
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