First Day of School

This school year will bring many firsts for us.  Olivia graduated from our beloved elementary school and is now in a gifted middle school program.  The kids will not be in the same school again until Olivia is a high school senior and Ethan is a freshman.  Middle school brings many new things - a new school schedule, new rules to learn, changing classrooms, new activities to join (Olivia is looking into scholastic bowl, IMSA, and maybe yearbook), numerous school dances, and more.  But, most excitingly, middle school means that you get a locker!  And decorating lockers has become a big thing for girls - wallpaper, shelves, rugs, lighted chandeliers, magnets, mirrors, organizers, etc.  Here is Olivia at the school's open house after decorating her locker and searching for her classrooms.

Olivia ready for a great year in 6th grade!  Another new thing for us - uniforms.  All Springfield middle schools require a uniform - tan, navy, or black shorts/pants/skirts, and either a green or white polo shirt or an official Franklin t-shirt.  And a belt.  Always a belt.  If no belt, you get an automatic detention!  Olivia is keeping a spare belt in her backpack just in case!

Ethan is also starting a big year of 3rd grade.  His school is divided into sections - K-2 and 3-5.  He is now in the "big kid circle" and is feeling very excited about that!