Well, the school bell officially rang for the Stinson girls on Tuesday, August 3rd. Ansley and Kylie started back to school at Carrington Academy. Ansley is in the Georgia PreK program and Kylie is in the 2's class with Mrs. Sheila. They both love their new classes!
However, in the past few weeks I have had some disappointments that have set off a series of events that are leading to some change. The issue was that last Monday, Ansley brought home a newsletter stating it would be mandatory that ALL PreK children will be required to wear uniforms starting September 1st. Ansley would have to wear a uniform everyday. This really upset me because Georgia PreK students do not have to wear uniforms for eligibility in a program. However, Carrington decided to make it mandatory, AFTER the school year started. We felt like it was a very undermined action. Its also very sad to me. She is 4! What benefits do 4 year olds have for wearing uniforms. Their little personalities are hidden underneath a brand. Even more, Kylie would have to wear them next year at 3. I know it sounds so ridiculous and superficial as I sit here rereading what I typed. There are other small issues I have been dealing with throughout our experience there, but have always wanted to leave my girls because we LOVE their teachers so much and knew they were loved and taken care of. There is just something more to this than the uniforms. It is the uniforms, but its not. I just can't put the feelings into words.
But after MUCH praying, God has sent me peace that it is time for a change. No one has ever said change is easy and this will not be an exception. Ansley will begin a new GA PreK program this upcoming week at Willow Brook Academy. To find an open GA state funded PreK spot after the school year is underway is almost unheard of! One child moved out of state during the summer, which left the spot open. I took this as one of my most prominent signs that the move was God's workings. Kylie will join her there in about a month since I had to give a 30 day notice. I was very impressed with their facility and they have the same programs and features that Carrington does, without all the extra expense. Their prices are more in line with what the state recommends charging families. Ans is excited and ready to begin. I think she is most excited that she will get to eat lunch in a lunchroom(which is an area in the center of the preschool with tables).
Children are very resiliant and they will be fine. I feel this is part of God's plan for our lives right now and its not our job to ask why. We just are obedient and good things will come. I am very sad about leaving Carrington since I worked there for months and have close relationships with many people that work there. Please keep my girls in your prayers over the next month as they begin this new experience in their young lives.
