The real New Year

This is just my humble opinion but over the past week I have decided that we should re-classify "New Year", to mean the first day of school rather than the current January 1st. That would make today, the day before school begins, New Year's Eve. As I began thinking about it, I kept finding more and more similarities between the two.

The build up to January 1st begins approximately two months before, and for some even earlier. The build-up to "back to school" begins the moment the famous "Staples" commercial begins..."It's the most wonderful time of the year" (note the use of a Christmas tune in their commercial...). From that moment on commercials, tv specials, radio stations all talk about the countdown to the new school year.

Rather than buying New Year's Eve decorations, we buy stacks of school supplies. Think of the time spent looking for the perfect back to school outfit (except at our school, where thankfully we don't have to think about it because of our uniform). How is that any different than hunting the stores for a pretty New Year's Eve dress? We get fresh haircuts, and new shoes so everyone looks sharp and squeaky clean for the big day.

At our house, we usually have a special supper on New Year's Eve and the night before school begins. Tonight it was nachos and cheese - other families I know go out for dinner the night before school to celebrate the beginning of a "new year".

Parents have renewed hopes for their children - this year I will make sure homework gets started earlier, or, this will be the year that my child will finish all of the mandatory reading before the last day of school. Sounds like a New Years resolution to me.

Unlike December 31st, when families often allow their children to stay up late, tonight, parents at our school will be putting their children to bed early - that however does not mean that they will fall asleep before midnight. The excitement of seeing friends is so overwhelming, that getting our children to sleep by midnight is quite an achievement.

Even calendars and daytimers have gotten on board - in stores I found it quite easy to find a calendar beginning at the start of September and ending next August - one full year. We begin new lessons, clubs and activities. These things are all based on the school year rather than Jan-Dec.

And so, while the majority of the western world considers December 31 to be the official New Year's Eve, and January 1st, the New Year, for me, it will always be these two days - the night before and the first day of school. Happy "School Year's Eve" everyone!

Why I like uniforms...

While Andrew was having a play-date with some friends the other day, I decided to go to MicMac Mall to look for a "first day back-to-school" outfit. Imagine...me, a teacher, worrying about what to wear - but I was - I want to make as good an impression with my class as I can, and having a new and up-to-date outfit can't hurt (okay...I also love clothes). It was fun to comb the stores looking at the cute tops and skirts and I was determined to find the perfect mix of chique and "cheap", but after my fifth or sixth store I realized that I wasn't going to find anything in my size or price range that met my "first day back-to-school" criteria. I then thought about the many moms I saw in the mall going through similar experiences with their children - the need for new clothes for school. Whether it was a growth spurt or just wanting to look cool, many stores were selling clothes that day to kids eager to have new outfits. I gave up after about an hour and as I walked out of the mall I breathed a sigh of relief that I wouldn't have to go through the first day of school outfit hunt with my son because he wears a uniform to school.

I am so grateful for uniforms. From September until the end of June he wears the same thing pretty much every weekday and so I only need to have a few outfits for weekends. I don't need to worry about the latest trend from the newest store that carries clothing so far out of my budget. Instead of five or six trendy pair of jeans he only needs one. He doesn't have to think about what to wear in the morning...up...uniform...ready to go.

About once a month at our school we have a dress-down day and students have the option to wear what they want. I have a son who is still quite young so it isn't such a big deal but I do know that for some of the older students it becomes one of the more stressful days with some getting up earlier in order to make sure the perfect outfit is chosen.

When I get his uniform each year I admit that it is hard to pay for his school clothing all at once. It can seem like a lot of money. But...then that is it...finished until he has outgrown or worn out what he has. I figure that I have saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars over the past few years. I also love how everyone looks equal; some may say that students in uniforms look like cookie cutter molds of each other and that they have no way to show their individuality but I disagree. Each and every student I teach has no problem showing me how unique they are, whether through their hairstyle or backpack or much more importantly, their personality.

So I am a uniform lover for my son at least. He looks neat and tidy and his personality shines out far past his clothing. Oh.....I am sure I will keep hunting for myself though...I still want a cute new outfit for the first day of school - but Andrew won't have to worry about it...up...uniform...ready to go for this year's first-day of school.