Kenna school

Kennadee started school at Basin City Elementary this past week.  A few days before we went to meet her teacher, Ms. Beseda.  She seems great and I feel positive about our interactions with her.  She gave a us a tour of the school and we met many people.  Everyone wanted to know who we were and if we had any relations up here.  Obviously we do and mentioned names.  By the time we got to the P.E. teacher Garrett was doing the introductions.  He walked straight up to the teacher, "Hi! I'm Garrett.  My dad is Mike Nielson!"  I think this visit really put Kenna's mind at ease and made it so her first day wasn't quite so scary.  Poor girl has been to 3 different schools in her 4 years of schooling.  She is so great and rolls with the punches.

We've already run into a few differences here.  Not necessarily bad, just different. 

First, the bus ride.  It is about an hour long.  I don't love this.  It's just more time away from home and family.  The first day I had a heart attack thinking of all the worst case scenarios.  I was so worked up over it I decided I needed to prepare Kate a little better and started quizzing her on every type of safety under the sun.  When Kenna got home that day I asked her how things went and if anyone bothered her or if she had any trouble.  No.  She was fine.  Kate chimed in, "Kenna, did anyone touch your butt?!"  Haha!  Kate has no filter.  Don't know why I beat around the bush when I could have asked out right.

The other difference is Kenna is one of about 4-6 white kids in her class.(I'm not sure as she keeps changing her mind.)  She said everyone has brown skin, black hair and speaks spanish.  The first day there were only two other white kids besides her.  She didn't seem upset, just noticed the difference.  We have never been a minority.  The numbers weren't quite as drastic when Mike attended.  I really wish they had a Spanish program here.  I was really bummed to find out that there is only one little girl from our ward in her class.  She is making lots of friends any way.  I love that about her. 

From the few times I've visited I have gotten a home town feel.  I think it's a great school and very friendly.  I'm hoping to make it into the classroom once a week.  We'll see how that goes.  I can say the first week was a success.  Especially cause no butts were touched! Ha!