It was over thirty years ago, but I remember kindergarten orientation like it was yesterday.
It was a dreary evening. My mom pulled her car into Benfield Elementary School’s parking lot.
Kindergarten orientation. No thanks. I’ll pass.
It was decided. I would be a kindergarten dropout. My education would conclude with a degree from the Severna Park United Methodist Church Nursery School — or as most lovingly call it —“Snoopy School”.
My mom was unfazed. By the third kid, she had even talked a bus driver into adding a stop outside our house, so I could be on their route.
Of course I wasn’t a dropout. The promise of chocolate milk and snacks sealed the deal for me.
With my oldest daughter starting kindergarten at my alma mater last month, it had me thinking of my own memories. I’m blown away by one major takeaway.
Kindergarten sure has changed.
From half day to full day, that’s not even the most exhausting part. School begins at 8:00am now. There’s no longer time for “Arthur” reruns in PJs and a leisure breakfast.
Milk and cookies has expanded to a healthy snack and lunch. But there’s more.
Kindergarteners now bring their own water bottles. I don’t think I had a sip of water during my first year as a Bulldog. The old-school water fountains were either too tall or probably had chewing gum in less-than-ideal places. I think we can all agree, hydration has become a much bigger priority since the 90s.
Benfield Elementary School feels familiar, yet new with the modernized school, technology a huge part of the advancements. Even kindergarteners have their own personal Chromebooks. Daily, I’m praying my child keeps this mini laptop in one piece. Currently, it’s hidden in our home office for supervised use. For anyone wondering, my laptop as a kid was a Carmen Sandiego-inspired toy.
With technology advancements also comes improved communications. My stomach plummeted and mind started racing when the school nurse called me on my daughter’s first day… Just a minor nosebleed from nothing controversial, my daughter headed back to class in a good mood.
I envisioned what my dad would say if he received a call from the school nurse about a nosebleed for his youngest child. “Rub some dirt on it!” came to mind.
Despite the many changes, one thing has remained true of kindergarteners. They’ll do almost anything for the promise of chocolate milk and snacks.
Now on the parenting side, I’ve never been more grateful for that sacred fact.
Lauren's Law 