Mia started school today. Yikes - It is crazy to see your "youngest" in a school with 18 year olds. I've been asking her for weeks if she was excited, nervous etc. and she frankly didn't really want to talk about it. As we read together last night and turned out the lights, she started to cry - poor little thing - I think it finally hit her that yes once again she would be going through the process of starting a new school. That, or maybe she was just sad that "vacation" was over. Lucky for her though, she knows how this process works (starting a new school) and this time around, it isn't just her that is starting a new school, but ALL of her friends will be going to new and various schools.
She woke up bright eyed though and we walked to school together. It is amazing how consistent the schools are here in Bavaria. It was almost the exact same introduction that Camden had had at the 5th grade Gymnasium in Bamberg so long ago. They bring you all in an auditorium, there is a quick introduction, then break the kids up into their classes that they will be in and head off with your class. The parents stay behind for more conversation as the kids get settled. Then the parents get to go into the classroom to see where the kids have chosen to sit and all. We joked that at least she knows the language (poor Camden had a vocabulary of only 20 words or so when he first started) - talk about being dumped right into the thick of it!
She chose a Math and Science school. I don't know if you have read much about the Math and Science fields, but there is a huge percentage gap between girls and boys in these fields. And yes, there is a HUGE percentage gap in her school as well. In a class of 26, she is only one of 4 girls. There are 4 classes with approx. the same make up. Which means in a class grade of about 100, there are approx. 16 girls. She was very happy though, because some of the boys in her new school were in her class at her old school - so at least she had a few friends right away.It should be interesting to say the least!
And so it begins - a new school year and all of the fun, stress, exhaustion, and happiness that it brings. Here's to a great year Mia!!!
update.....
Her first few days were a huge success. She absolutely LOVES it. The few girls in her class have all clicked very quickly. Everything is so organized and they are treated like little adults. What a relief to know that she is happy!!! I think it is going to be a great year!
*Had to mention this funny thing.... There is a smoking section. Oh yes - just like we had back in the day. There are only a few students out there, but it is still so funny to see. I guess the administration doesn't have to "babysit" the kids (that is the parents job) - they just educate them. If they don't make the grades, then they get moved down to a lower level school. Such a simple idea!
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