I hung up the phone with the preschool teacher after scheduling our appointment to finalize enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year and felt immediate relief.

A decision has been made: school will resume in-person learning for preschool, special education and special circumstances students (all others engaged in e-learning through the first quarter, then re-assess) AND we will be sending our daughter.

Through conversations with all adults who provide care for her daily, we've concluded the absolute benefits outweigh the possible risks...even though pre-k is optional and our daughter has been tested and has already mastered all pre-k competencies:

--She NEEDS the social interaction

--She NEEDS to learn respect for different authority figures in her life.

--All regular caretakers NEED a break.

--The change in routine will do EVERYONE good.

And so, we will take appropriate precautions to ensure continued health or ourselves and others (including factoring in how this will impact our ability to visit elderly family members going forward).

Most importantly, however, we aren't going to dwell on this. We are going to charge forward with all the faith, hope and authority God has given us and we are going to kick off new traditions!

What traditions do you remember (or have in place for your family currently) to kick off the school year? School supplies/clothes/shoes shopping? Special meals or treats? Celebrating the close of summer festivities?