First Day of School - Kay

With this post from Sharon Kay (Tay-Tay), we begin a series of

"My First Day of School" memories ... as you'll read, they weren't all good.

My first day of school..........oh my !! I think I still have post traumatic stress syndrome. I remember it well. Ellouise walked me to the front of Foote School, and I DID NOT want to let go of her leg. I was SO scared. You'd think I'd of been a veteran after seeing everyone else go before me, but I was terrified.

I remember it was a windy day and I had a scarf on my head, but I could not for the life of me tell you what I was wearing. Though I'm sure it was hand-me-downs. The teacher.........another oh -my......Mrs. Winslow......MEAN !!! BIG !!! GRUFF !!! That woman terrified me. I remember I was mad because Renee Antal was in a different class as me. I went to afternoon classes.

She took name call and I started crying, too afraid to raise my hand. When it was time for recess, I hid in the bathroom that was attached to our class room. One of the safetys found me, and forced me to go outside. I went kicking and screaming. She told the witch-doctor-teacher, and she punished me by sticking me in the corner after we came back in from recess.

Kindergarten is something I don't like recalling unless I have to. What it taught me, I'm not sure. To be strong? To be afraid of big mean witch-teachers? To not hide in the bathrooms and face your fears? To NEVER get paint on the table while you're making your parents a mold of your hands? To get used to being laughed at? I think it started a pattern in my life. To really, REALLY look forward to nap time. It took me away from all that was mean and ugly, and still does.

I don't remember anyone crying because it was my first day of school, except me. Now I totally understand why Mom wouldn't have...........she was probably thinking, THANK GOD.....six down, one more to go....I do remember being so excited to get out of that classroom and go home. I survived kindergarten with the witch teacher, and my first grade experience set a pattern for me. Her name was Mrs. Etheridge, and she truly cared about me. I was fortunate enough to have good teachers that taught me how important education really is, and helped me reach my full potential.

Enough for now..........Kay