I first was hoping to enroll her in the school two blocks from our home where there are lots of ELL (English Language Learning) students (mostly Hispanic). But when I went to enroll her, I learned the school is full, and also that our entire community of Richfield no longer offers half-day kindergarten. Having just joined our family less than 4 weeks ago, I didn't think putting her in school all day was a good idea. I called many other schools, both private and public, and was not finding any good options - some were too expensive or required a good handle on English before starting. I called Minneapolis Public Schools and at first was told that all their kindergarten classes with ELL programs were full day. It felt like I kept running into dead ends.
Later I talked with someone who told me there is one public school in Minneapolis that offers half-day kindergarten and has an ELL program. She said the school is full, but the principal had adopted a couple boys from Russia and maybe he'd make an exception and let her in. The principal called me just a few hours later and invited me to enroll Nadia in kindergarten at their school! He told me they have a good ELL program, and that about 15% of their students are adopted from various places, so it is a fairly normal thing at their school! And it's afternoon kindergarten, allowing me to get a break while our younger daughter, Eliana, naps! Also, it is in south Minneapolis (close to Richfield). And it's free. :) This definitely seems like a provision from God!
So we visited the school on Tuesday. I met with the principal, and we swapped stories of adopting from Russia. He gave us a tour, introduced us to Nadia's kindergarten teacher, the ELL teacher, and others, and encouraged me that kids soak up English quickly. I was very impressed with both the staff and facilities.
When we told Nadia later with an interpreter that she'd be starting school, she said repeatedly in Russian, "I don't want to." I wasn't surprised. A lot of kids are anxious about their first day of school, but Nadia has been through so many major transitions in a short period of time, and this would be one more. We encouraged her that we think she'll like school. Since she was so anxious, I joined her for her first day of kindergarten yesterday. Her teacher is great and made special efforts to help Nadia feel welcome and encouraged other students to do so as well. Nevertheless, Nadia clung to me the whole time and was reluctant to speak to anyone. She told me several times she wanted to go home. I'm sure she understood very little of what was being said, which probably added to her discomfort and anxiety.
So I wasn't at all surprised when she cried and cried this morning at the thought of attending kindergarten by herself. She repeatedly cried, "I don't want to". I told her I understood, but I gently encouraged her to try it. I anticipated more crying and clinging today upon leaving her at kindergarten, but when she got to the classroom and the teacher welcomed her and invited her to join other students in playing, she went along and almost forgot about me until I said, "See you later". When I picked her up after school and asked her how it was, she smiled and said, "Good", and seems to be looking forward to returning. More answers to prayer! Thanks to God and thanks to many who prayed for this additional transition to go smoothly!
