By Staff
HOW 'BOUT THESE, MOM? Pearson Kelly and his mother, Jamie, shop for school clothes at Pearson's favorite store, Gymboree, in Bonita Lakes Mall. Photo by Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
July 23, 2001
Anticipating the first day of school can be a time of excitement, wonder and a little apprehension for children as well as parents even if mom is a teacher.
Pearson Kelly, son of Jamie and Brian Kelly of Meridian, will start kindergarten at Poplar Springs Elementary School in a couple of weeks, where his mother teaches first grade.
Pearson is 5 years old. His favorite food is corndogs and he wants to be a fireman when he grows up. He knows something about school, having attended the Highland Child Development Center for two years, sponsored by Highland Baptist Church. He has also had the advantage of spending many hours with his mother at Poplar Springs during the summer months. He has checked out the classrooms and, most importantly, the playground equipment.
He admitted he might be a little nervous on the first day of school, but he thinks everything will be fine by the second or third day.
Pearson said he wants kindergarten to be like preschool, but he realizes it will be different.
While shopping for school clothes the other day, Pearson picked out an orange book bag his parents will buy for him online. He will get his school supplies from Poplar Springs during the first week of classes. Parents of Poplar Springs students sell bags of school supplies for each grade at the elementary to help fund the fifth-graders' annual trip to Washington, D.C.
Jamie said Pearson is excited about starting kindergarten. His main concern has been whether any of his friends will be there with him.
She said it is helpful for parents to get children familiar with their surroundings before school and to discuss what will be expected of them, how to be a good friend and what they may learn.
Jamie has seen many first days of school come and go during her 14 years of teaching. "I don't think any will be like this year, though," she said. "It's just the anticipation. Hopefully I can peak out of my classroom and see his daddy take him for his first day."
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.