As we prepare for the last few days and transition into middle school, I reflect on our last 4 years of Greenhill journey. In 2022, we came from Iowa city, a small university town, from a public school district feeling anxious about settling in Dallas and private school environment. The joy and relief when we saw the welcome package on our doorstep and the peacock to welcome us in the school, has been one of the happiest memories of Vir.
Our
firsthand experience with what to expect for the next 12 years was visit from Miss Prentiss- 1st grade teacher, in our home to
interact with Vir and know him better before the school starts. I remember
being impressed beyond words, which school does that! She spent good 1 hour with him, played with him and made him feel comforted. And then the cookie
crumbled with Vir being out of school for the very first week with Covid. Poor
boy was so stressed going to this big school and feeling lost. But in no time,
with all the support of his teachers, it was as if he has always belonged
here. On the pet day, he took his Greenhill peacock and talked about how happy
he was to be here.
Second
grade, with Miss Cook, was a change of pace from first grade. Slowly, the homework
started and I remember him being open and friendly with Miss Cook. Miss Cook
gave him space to grow, and his love of math became evident. The classroom was
serious, but Vir always had so much fun with her.
Third
grade was a step up. Vir was older now and exerted his independence. Miss Kim was his math teacher and
homeroom teacher, what else could the boy ask for! It was my first year as a
room parent too and that was when I truly appreciated what goes behind the
scenes to make this experience so valuable for our kids. Vir embraced all the
changes and the pace so beautifully and was always excited to do more.
Fourth grade is when all comes together and as a parent I see the growth. It’s the time for the butterfly to emerge out of cocoon , learning to flap its wings and slowly learning to fly. The very first assembly when microphones were introduced, I was impressed with how Vir spoke so eloquently. There are so many memories of fourth grade as leaders that it is hard to pin down. One that stands out for me where Vir was invited for live Q&A with parents for an admission event to provide an insight into GH life as a student. I was impressed at his wit and ability to think spontaneously.
His homeroom teacher, Miss Ozanus, has always been his champion and nudged him to give his best and do better. Rocket day experience and his love for science grew in 4th grade. The way that Greenhill teaches science made it more fun and got Vir excited about it. Though, his love story continues to be with math. Also, I observed tremendous growth is his writing and the descriptive essays and the writing projects that made his hand hurt but made me happy.
A new talent that emerged in 4th grade was that we discovered that Vir can actually sing well. Considering, the singing talent, in our family, we were pleasantly surprised listening to his vocal cords. One year of choir, made him a hero in our family.
This has been such an important journey in Vir's foundation
years. These years will build his personality, and every step has been
important. As a parent, I see how beautifully he is growing and proud of him
and know it is a village and a community that shapes my child.
If
you know Vir, you know he thinks in bulleted points and his sense of humor. So,
I asked him what is so exciting about 5th grade. The bulleted points
are below:
- Panini everyday
- Panini seconds allowed
- Walk to different classroom without
teachers
- More homework- not so exciting
- Take computer home- best part
- Classes scattered around campus
- Finally, no line walking
- Go to STEM building
And lastly, I quote from one of our family favorite movies, Remember the Titans, “attitude reflects leadership”. All this happens, because of strong leadership that makes the environment of lower school, too good to be true experience for our children.
Now,
the butterfly is ready to soar! We await middle school with anticipation but with a confidence.
And I am excited!
