AtoZ Letter E~ Elementary Education

I was standing beside our mailbox waiting for the yellow bus to take me to the first day of school.  I assured my mother she didn't need to wait with me, but I knew she was watching while I jumped up and down in excitement.  My red satchel with a Big Chief Tablet, a fat pencil and a box of fat colors was held tightly by the black handle.  The new blue dress made by mother had puff sleeves and a peter pan collar, and in my hair were two matching blue bows.  I had on a new pair of saddle oxfords. 

At last the bus turned down the dirt road that ran in front of our house.  The door swung open...I stepped forward and stopped.  The first step hit me waist high.  I was regretting having kept my mother standing on the porch when a high school boy came down the steps, took my hand and helped me aboard and showed me my assigned seat next to the window facing our porch.  My mother was wiping her eyes with her apron. 

That was September 1, 1953...my education began with the first of many high steps to climb.  I feel fortunate to have started the climb in 1953 when report cards measured Growth in Habits and Attitudes, in Interests and Activities and kept parents informed...as noted on the back of my report card:  This report card is issued to keep you informed of the progress of your child.  If more information is desired, you are cordially invited to confer with the teacher or principal.

I loved school. I loved riding the bus. I loved my teacher.  That lasted for three six weeks and then...we moved.

For the 4th and 5th Six Weeks I didn't miss a single day at my new school.  I am sure I must have missed my 1st through 3rd Six Weeks school friends, teacher and bus driver. 

As vivid as my memories are of those first weeks of school...in comparison the move, the new school and classmates were and still are a complete blank.  If not for the report card and the class picture, I would never have made an **Incredible Connection some 50 years later. 

For the 6th 6 Weeks of the first grade we moved again.  Back to my assigned seat on the bus, back to my classmates and beloved teacher. 

For the life of me I can't remember moving back. 

**Incredible Connection...Letter F...First Grade Fated Attraction